Oklahoma Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Oklahoma — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Oklahoma
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Oklahoma courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
Create your parenting plan with guidance
Divorce.ai helps you build a comprehensive parenting plan that meets Oklahoma court requirements.
Child Support in Oklahoma
Oklahoma uses the income shares model under 43 O.S. § 118-120. Child support is computed as a percentage of both parents' combined gross income using the Child Support Guideline Schedule in 43 O.S. § 119. Each parent's share of the total support obligation is proportional to their share of the combined gross income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income, they pay 60% of the base support amount from the schedule. Additional adjustments are made for health insurance premiums, child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses. The court may deviate from the guidelines for good cause shown.
Official Oklahoma child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (With Minor Children) | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (With Minor Children) |
| Parenting Plan | Parenting Plan |
| Child Support Computation Form | Child Support Computation Form |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Oklahoma requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Under 43 O.S. § 107.2, in all divorces filed on incompatibility grounds involving minor children under 18, both parents must pay for and complete a court-approved educational program concerning the impact of separation and divorce on children. The program is educational in nature and not designed for individual therapy. Both parents must complete the program before the divorce can be finalized. Programs are typically 2-4 hours and cost $25-$60 per person. Online options are available.
Typical cost: $40
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Oklahoma forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.