Oklahoma Cracks Down on Unregulated Child Custody Transfers
A new law makes unregulated child custody transfers illegal in Oklahoma. I’m Tulsa attorney James Wirth and that is the issue we’re talking about today. It’s called Senate Bill 1601. It has passed, been signed off, and it is going to become law and be effective November 1st, 2024. It’s called the Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Act and it makes a brand new crime in Oklahoma.
Understanding the New Law
The new law states that a parent or guardian of a child or an individual with whom a child has been placed for adoption may not transfer custody of the child to another person with the intent at that time of the transfer to abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the child. If this is done, it is considered a misdemeanor offense under the Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act.
Exceptions to the Law
There are exceptions to the law, such as the transfer of a child’s custody to the other parent, a step-parent, a close-blood relative, an adult with a significant relationship to the child, or an Indian custodian. The law also does not apply if the transfer is part of an approved adoption process or power of attorney for custody agreement.
Take Action Now
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to transfer custody of a child, it is important to understand the new law and how it may affect your situation. To get personalized advice and guidance, contact us at MakeLawEasy.com or call us at 918-879-1681 to schedule an initial strategy session.
