Mayes County Law Journal
Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, grandparents do not have automatic visitation rights. The court considers several factors to determine if grandparents should have the right to visit their grandchildren. Firstly, they assess whether there is an intact nuclear family, which consists of married parents or both parents present at birth. Various circumstances can disrupt the nuclear family, such as divorce, death of a parent, or a parent being incarcerated. Additionally, the court examines the child's best interests and if the child would suffer harm without grandparent visitation. Continuous and pre-existing relationships between grandparents and grandchildren are also taken into account. For more information on grandparents' rights in Oklahoma, reach out to attorney Lindsay McDowell at pryorattorney.com or (918) 932-2862. Read more »
My Ex Owes Me Child Support. What Can I Do in Mayes County? Part 2
In part two of the video series on what to do if you are owed child support, Mayes County Attorney Lindsay McDowell discusses the option of an income assignment. This is a suitable choice if the children are over 18 or if the parent responsible for child support has a stable job with regular paychecks. McDowell explains the various situations where an income assignment can occur, such as receiving child support through the Child Support Registry or in divorce or paternity cases. She outlines the steps involved in obtaining an income assignment, including filing a notice of delinquency and attending a hearing. McDowell also highlights the importance of making payments through the child support registry and provides her contact information for further inquiries. Read more »
How to Get a Protective Order If You're Being Stalked or Harassed in Oklahoma?
If you're being stalked or harassed in Oklahoma, you may be eligible for a protective order. Lindsay McDowell, an attorney in Oklahoma, explains that protective orders can be filed if you feel you are in immediate danger or being continually followed or harassed. Family members, current or former spouses, cohabitants, parents, children, or anyone threatening bodily harm can qualify for a protective order. To obtain one, you must go to a district court, fill out a form, and identify specific incidents that warrant the order. Evidence must be presented, and it may be helpful to have an attorney guide you through the process. For more information, contact Lindsay at (918) 932-2862 or visit pryorattorney.com. Read more »
My Ex Owes Me Child Support. What Can I Do in Mayes County? Part 1
In this two-part video series, Lindsay McDowell, a Mayes County attorney with Wirth Law Office, discusses the options available to parents who are owed outstanding child support. The first method she explains is civil contempt, which can be used for both past due and future child support. Civil contempt allows parents to have leverage against the other parent who owes child support, as it can result in a jail sentence of up to six months and/or a $500 fine on top of the amount owed. Lindsay outlines the process of filing an application, obtaining an order, and potentially going to trial. She also highlights the option of negotiating a payment agreement, which can provide the parent who owes child support with additional time to make payments. For more information or to ask questions about this matter, Lindsay can be reached at 918-932-2800. Read more »
Do You Need the Other Parent’s Permission for Your Child to Visit a Family Member in Oklahoma?
Are you wondering if you need the other parent's permission for your child to visit a family member? Attorney Lindsay McDowell is here to shed some light on this issue. The first thing to consider is what your court order says about your child's visitation rights with other family members. If there are no restrictions mentioned, then generally, you can make the decision without seeking the other parent's permission. However, it's crucial to ensure your court order is clear on this matter. You should also review whether overnight visits or dropping off your child with someone requires consent. If you're unsure, consulting your attorney is the best course of action to avoid violating the court order. For more detailed information, contact Lindsay McDowell at (918) 932-2862 or visit pryorattorney.com. Read more »
Does the Lack of Child Support Payment Excuse Visitation Rights for the Other Parent in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the lack of child support payment does not excuse visitation rights for the other parent. Lindsay McDowell, Northeastern Oklahoma attorney, explains that child support and visitation are separate issues in the eyes of the court. Even if a parent is late or not paying child support, they still have the right to visitation with their child. If you are frustrated with a non-paying parent, it is important to seek a legal solution through the courts. Lindsay McDowell can assist you in navigating this process and provide answers to your questions about visitation and child support. Contact her at 918-932-2800 or visit www.makelaweasy.com for more information. Read more »
A Guide to Grandparents Rights in Mayes County, Okla.
Navigating a Gray Area in Family Law As we age, we gain wisdom and experience. However, when it comes to grandparents’ rights in Pryor or Mayes County and the Oklahoma legal system, that wisdom may not hold much weight. Life’s unexpected changes, such as divorce, separation, adoption, parental incapacity due to illness, or even a […] Read more »