One of the most difficult things to deal with as attorneys who handle family law matters is when a child is abused by one or both parents. The children are innocent victims who at times receive the brunt of an adult’s anger and frustration. As an attorney, we are obligated to report child abuse if it is suspected. We encourage you to do the same. The DHS 24-hour hotline for reporting child abuse is 1-800-522-3511. Read More

If you or a family member is considering divorce in Oklahoma, the following list provides basic information. There are 10 things to know about filing for divorce in Oklahoma: Residency Requirements– In order to be able to file for divorce, one or both of the parties must reside in Oklahoma for six (6) months. Additionally, the parties must reside in the county where they are filing for thirty (30) days prior to Read More

Here at Bedlam Law we focus primarily on divorce, child custody and estate planning cases. In divorce and child custody cases I have seen a trend take place over the last several years. More parents are considering joint custody as an option. This article shares some basic information regarding joint custody. I should start by saying joint custody does not determine the visitation schedule in your case. A common Read More

My first job was in the Kay County District Attorney Office in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Part of my caseload was the prosecution of different types of crimes involving domestic violence. My best day as a prosecutor was when First Assistant District Attorney James Emig and I put Timothy Wayne Lambert in prison for 1,600 years for touching four little girls. I have always been a strong advocate against domestic violence and Read More

Although I truly believe people going through divorce should avoid the courtroom if it all possible, going to court is the favorite part of my job. With Christmas quickly approaching and divorced parents discussing holiday visitation, I wanted to share with you an experience I had a few years ago. The story I am sharing has been edited to protect the parties but I believe it still makes an important point. On Read More

In the world of estate planning, Wills and Trusts are two of the most common tools that you can use. While they can both help you to plan for the future of your estate, they aren’t interchangeable. Many people will need to have both a Will and a Trust in place to properly protect themselves, their assets, and most importantly, their loved ones. Take a moment to read through some of the main differences between the Read More

It is widely known that Trust and Probate laws are unique, full of intricacies, and subject to a vast spectrum of variables. Oklahoma probate laws are no different. In this article we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Oklahoma probate and trust laws. What exactly is “probate?” Probate is the legal process that protects an individual's assets and estate when they pass away. Upon Read More

If you have minor children, there is one key element you must absolutely include in your estate plan: your choice of legal guardian. In the event that you become incapacitated or pass away, your chosen guardian will assume the care of your children and provide them with a stable home. Naming a guardian prevents them from going into state care, so you can still have a say in your kids' future even after you are no Read More