How to get supervised visitation in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, a parent asks the district court for a visitation order, and the judge can order visits to be supervised when there is a safety concern. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma has free guides and forms.
Step by step
- Check for an existing order See if an Oklahoma court already has a custody or visitation order for your child. If so, ask the same court to change it. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma notes that requests go to the court that issued the order.
- Try to agree first Legal Aid says an agreement on a parenting plan may be better if you can reach one. Many areas offer low cost mediation. A written agreement can ask for supervised visits and name the supervisor.
- File with the district court If you cannot agree, you must ask the court. Being a parent gives you the right to seek visitation, not a set schedule. File in the district court in your county. Legal Aid's self help forms page and your court clerk can point you to forms.
- Say what you are asking for Ask for supervised visits when there are safety concerns, such as abuse allegations. Say who will supervise, the schedule, where exchanges happen, and who pays. Under 43 O.S. 111.1, the court may allow supervised visits and third party or protected setting exchanges when domestic violence or stalking is involved.
- Serve the other parent The other parent must get notice of the case. Legal Aid has a service of process video. A parent who is served with divorce or paternity papers has 20 days to respond.
- Go to the hearing The judge looks at what is in the best interests of the child's physical, mental and moral welfare (43 O.S. 109). Bring records that show your concern. If abuse, domestic violence, stalking or harassment is found, the law sets a presumption against custody with that parent.
- After the order, choose a supervisor Under 43 O.S. 110.1a, supervision means a third party is present and watching. Options include agency sites, trained volunteers, and private providers. Ask each one about fees, minimum hours and intake steps, then schedule.
- If the order is not followed Oklahoma has a Motion to Enforce Visitation. Under 43 O.S. 111.3 the court can order makeup time, a bond, classes or supervised visits.
Forms
- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma self help forms: Includes Request to Enforce Non-Custodial Parent Visitation, divorce and paternity answer forms, and Order of Protection forms.
- Request to Enforce Parent Visitation: Free guided tool. For parents on an Oklahoma visitation order, filed in the same court.
- Oklahoma custody and visitation guides: Standard visitation schedule guidelines with forms, plus links to court forms.
Good to know
- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma takes calls at 1-888-534-5243 for help with filing.
- Oklahoma DHS Child Support Services says it cannot help with custody or visitation issues, but it can point you to visitation services if you have an open child support case.
- If you fear abuse, Legal Aid offers court forms to ask for an Order of Protection Against Domestic Violence.
- The court can require the supervisor to be a trained third party. Under 43 O.S. 110.1a, the court may ask a parent who requests supervision to name a trained volunteer.
- Under 43 O.S. 111.1, a judge may also order no alcohol or drugs during visits and for 24 hours before, and may order a batterer intervention program.