Clarifying Child Custody Misunderstandings with Expertise
What are some common misconceptions about child custody?
Hi, my name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa child custody attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for almost eight years now, and I want to talk about some common misconceptions I hear from clients when it comes to custody.
Why Child Custody Can Be Confusing
First, I never expect my clients to fully understand custody law—it’s confusing. Family law is often called the “wild west” of litigation because things don’t always run by the book. Rules can be applied loosely, and procedures vary. So it’s natural to feel unsure. But sometimes I hear things from clients that really concern me because they’re simply wrong.
One of the biggest misconceptions is: “I looked it up on Google.” Now, Google is a great tool. I’ll be honest, as an attorney, I use it too. But I don’t rely only on Google. I also use my training, the statutes, OSCN, and my eight years of experience in court. When clients rely on “Google University” alone, they often misunderstand the law.
The Pitfalls of Misunderstanding Legal Terms
For example, I once Googled a headache symptom, and it told me I was pregnant. So while it’s fine as a starting point, it’s not the final answer. If Google tells you one thing and your lawyer tells you another—listen to your lawyer. Ask questions, get clarification, but trust that your lawyer knows how the law actually applies to your case.
Another common misconception is about joint custody. Many clients come in saying, “I want sole custody,” or “I won’t give them sole custody, I want joint custody.” The problem is that many don’t realize joint custody doesn’t always mean 50/50 time.
Understanding Custody Categories
Custody has two parts: physical custody (how much time the child spends with each parent) and legal custody (the right to make major decisions about the child’s life, such as education, health care, and religion). Even if one parent has primary physical custody, you can still have joint legal custody, which means both parents share equal decision-making rights.
The takeaway is this: don’t run with half the information. Custody law can be tricky, and the details matter. If you don’t understand something, ask your lawyer. That’s what we’re here for.
Schedule a Strategy Session Today
If you have questions about custody, I’d be glad to sit down with you and go over your options. My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa family law attorney with Wirth Law Office, and I want to help you make law easy. Call 918-879-1681 to schedule a low-cost initial strategy session.
