OKC Legal News

When a Co-Parent Stops Following a Court Order in Oklahoma

A court order in a family law case is designed to provide a predictable structure for parents and children, serving as the “law of the case” for everything from holiday schedules to financial support. When a parent deviates from these rules without consent, it compromises the stability of the family unit. In Oklahoma, “self-help” measures, such as responding to a violation with a retaliatory one, typically backfire and create further legal complications. Effectively addressing a co-parent not following a court [...]

Enforcing Child Custody and Support Orders in Oklahoma

In the legal world, a signed court order is a directive from the State of Oklahoma that mandates specific behavior regarding the care and financial support of children. However, a piece of paper cannot physically force someone to show up for a visitation exchange or make a payment. When one parent ignores these directives, the other is often left in a state of uncertainty. Enforcing custody orders in Oklahoma is the formal process used to bring a non-compliant party back [...]

Parenting Plans in Oklahoma: How Courts Review and Approve Them

When families in Oklahoma separate, the parenting plan becomes the most significant document in their lives. Rather than a list of suggestions, Oklahoma City judges treat these plans as binding court orders with the full weight of the law. Finalizing a plan involves more than just selecting dates; it requires a detailed look at the child’s needs and the logistical realities of two separate households. Oklahoma courts use specific standards to review these documents, ensuring the final roadmap serves the [...]

What to Expect at Your First Oklahoma Family Court Hearing

What to Expect at Your First Oklahoma Family Court Hearing

A first appearance in family court can feel intimidating. Many people enter the Oklahoma County District Court unsure about the process, the judge’s role, or what decisions might be made that day. In most cases, however, the first family court hearing in Oklahoma follows a predictable format. The purpose of the initial hearing is not to decide every issue. Instead, the court addresses immediate concerns, establishes temporary rules, and sets the case on a structured path. Knowing what to expect [...]

Temporary Orders in Oklahoma Family Law Cases: What They Cover

Temporary Orders in Oklahoma Family Law Cases: What They Cover

When a divorce, legal separation, or custody case is filed in Oklahoma, daily life does not pause. Bills still come due. Children still need routines. Mortgage payments, school pickups, and health insurance coverage must continue. Temporary orders exist to create structure during this unsettled period. In Oklahoma County and courts across the state, temporary orders shape how families function while a case is pending. They can determine who lives in the marital home, where children stay, who pays support, and [...]

What a Guardian ad Litem Does in Oklahoma Family Court

What a Guardian ad Litem Does in Oklahoma Family Court

Custody disputes place children at the center of difficult legal proceedings. When parents cannot agree, Oklahoma courts may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests. For families in Oklahoma City, the involvement of a guardian ad litem often raises questions and concerns about process, authority, and impact. Oklahoma law gives guardians ad litem a defined role, but misunderstandings remain common. Putnam Law Office works with parents across Oklahoma County in cases involving guardians ad litem. This [...]

ESCAPING DOMESTIC ABUSE Book

Escaping Domestic Abuse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Freedom and Support for Oklahoma Families

Family law cases can begin during some of the most challenging moments in a person’s life. For many people, ending an abusive relationship is not just a legal decision, but a deeply personal and emotional one. In those situations, safety, planning, and access to reliable information can make all the difference. Oklahoma City family law attorney Brian Putnam has spent years working with individuals and families facing these situations firsthand. Now, he has brought that experience together in a new [...]

Relocation and Child Custody: What Oklahoma Parents Should Know

Relocation and Child Custody: What Oklahoma Parents Should Know

Relocation issues often arise after divorce or separation, when one parent needs or wants to move for work, family support, or a new relationship. For parents in Oklahoma City, a proposed move can quickly become a custody dispute with lasting effects on children and parental rights. Oklahoma law places specific limits on relocation when a court order governs custody or parenting time. Putnam Law Office represents parents throughout Oklahoma County who are planning a move or opposing one. This [...]

Mediation in Oklahoma Family Law Cases: What to Expect

Mediation in Oklahoma Family Law Cases: What to Expect

Family law disputes often arise during periods of uncertainty. Divorce, custody changes, and support disagreements can place significant strain on families. In Oklahoma City, courts frequently encourage mediation as a way to resolve these matters without extended litigation. Mediation offers a private, structured setting where families can work toward resolution while maintaining greater control over the outcome. Putnam Law Office assists clients across Oklahoma County who are considering mediation or have been ordered to participate. This article explains how [...]

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Divorce in Oklahoma

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Divorce in Oklahoma

Divorce often begins during periods of emotional strain and financial pressure. In Oklahoma City, spouses near Bricktown, Nichols Hills, or Lake Hefner frequently make early decisions that shape their case long after filing. Oklahoma divorce law provides structure, yet the outcome still depends on preparation, timing, and judgment. Many problems arise not from bad intentions but from incomplete information or rushed choices. Putnam Law Office assists clients across Oklahoma County who want to protect stability and avoid preventable setbacks. [...]