Oklahoma lawmakers are examining updates to child custody laws to align them with modern family structures. Representatives Mark Tedford of Jenks and Erick Harris of Edmond recently conducted an interim study to review possible revisions, noting that current laws do not fully address situations where both parents share financial and caregiving duties.
According to a report from the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the state’s current custody framework is based on outdated standards. While the law requires decisions to serve the “best interest of the child,” it does not guarantee equal parenting time. Lawmakers and experts noted that this can result in one parent being favored over the other, despite shared responsibilities.
During the study, family law experts and advocates discussed the potential benefits of updating the law to include a presumption of joint equal custody. They stated that such a change could reduce conflicts and encourage greater parental involvement.
The study referenced Kentucky’s implementation of a similar policy as an example. Tedford and Harris emphasized that any new custody framework should include flexibility, allowing parents to adjust arrangements as needed while maintaining fairness.
Both representatives are working with colleagues, experts, and advocacy groups in preparation for the upcoming legislative session to modernize custody policies in line with the current needs of Oklahoma families.
