Modification of Custody Orders
July 17, 2009 By Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC
Why Modify a Custody Order
Do you know that you can modify your divorce decree after you have been divorce even for years? Most people think once they agree to something during the pendancy of their divorce, that is final and they cannot do anything about them.
In Oklahoma, a divorce decree can be modified regarding custody of the minor children if there is a permanent, substantial and material change in circumstances since the entry of the final order which adversely affects the best interests of the child and which makes it in the best interests to modify the custody orders. For example, if mom was awarded custody of the child during the divorce. Now, the children are not doing so well in school, they are tardy to class all the time, they are getting into trouble at school and or with the law. The children are not thriving with mom, and then Dad can seek to modify the custody order, because clearly, mom cannot take care of the children hence the problems at school and with the law.
Another example, Mom was awarded custody of the children during the divorce, now mom is on drugs or operating or selling drugs out of her home, she of course has no time for the children and she is putting the children is a dangerous situation. Dad can seek to modify the custody order, requesting that he be granted custody of the children, subject to mom's supervised visitation. Why do I say supervised, because mom is not able to take care of the children on her own, depending on drug of choice. Please call an attorney to discuss this matter further if any of these situations are applicable to you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lily Debrah Cruickshank
Lily Debrah Cruickshank of Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC, was born in Ghana, Africa, however she grew up in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. Lily Debrah Cruickshank attended Broken Arrow High School. She graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond with a political science degree and a minor in history. At Oklahoma Christian, Lily was very involved; she was a member of the President's leadership counsel. Lily worked in the admissions office where she was a tour guide for prospective students. Lily Attended the University of Oklahoma, College of Law. While there, she served on the dean's counsel as well as served as legal intern for the Dean of the law School, Dean Coats as well as Professor Randall Coyne. Lily achieved an amjur, which is the highest grade in the class for Criminal Law. Lily was also awarded the coveted Kerr McGee Scholar, which included a scholarship as well an internship at the legal department for Kerr McGee Corporation.
Copyright Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC
More information about Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
In Oklahoma, a divorce decree can be modified regarding custody of the minor children if there is a permanent, substantial and material change in circumstances since the entry of the final order which adversely affects the best interests of the child and which makes it in the best interests to modify the custody orders. For example, if mom was awarded custody of the child during the divorce. Now, the children are not doing so well in school, they are tardy to class all the time, they are getting into trouble at school and or with the law. The children are not thriving with mom, and then Dad can seek to modify the custody order, because clearly, mom cannot take care of the children hence the problems at school and with the law.
Another example, Mom was awarded custody of the children during the divorce, now mom is on drugs or operating or selling drugs out of her home, she of course has no time for the children and she is putting the children is a dangerous situation. Dad can seek to modify the custody order, requesting that he be granted custody of the children, subject to mom's supervised visitation. Why do I say supervised, because mom is not able to take care of the children on her own, depending on drug of choice. Please call an attorney to discuss this matter further if any of these situations are applicable to you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lily Debrah Cruickshank
Lily Debrah Cruickshank of Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC, was born in Ghana, Africa, however she grew up in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. Lily Debrah Cruickshank attended Broken Arrow High School. She graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond with a political science degree and a minor in history. At Oklahoma Christian, Lily was very involved; she was a member of the President's leadership counsel. Lily worked in the admissions office where she was a tour guide for prospective students. Lily Attended the University of Oklahoma, College of Law. While there, she served on the dean's counsel as well as served as legal intern for the Dean of the law School, Dean Coats as well as Professor Randall Coyne. Lily achieved an amjur, which is the highest grade in the class for Criminal Law. Lily was also awarded the coveted Kerr McGee Scholar, which included a scholarship as well an internship at the legal department for Kerr McGee Corporation.
Copyright Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC
More information about Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC
View all articles published by Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
