Our Services
Divorce
From simple, amicable divorces to far more complicated matters, we can help you through the process in a way that makes sense for you.
Divorce matters typically involve issues of property and debt distribution, alimony, child custody, and child support.
The Court will enter property, debt, and alimony orders that it determines are fair and equitable to the parties. Decisions regarding child custody, visitation, and child support are always guided by the best interests of the child. It is always best if the parties can agree on these issues. However, if they can’t agree, the Court will decide for them.
Paternity
Separating parents who were not married establish child custody, visitation, and child support through a Paternity action instead of a divorce.
Under Oklahoma law, until a Paternity order is entered finding as a matter of law that the father is in fact the legal father of the child, the mother has sole custody of the child, even though the father may still be required to pay child support.
It is important to establish paternity as soon as a child is born to ensure that the child may have continuing contact with and support from both parents.
Modification & Contempt
Unlike in most civil suits, issues related to divorce, paternity, custody, visitation, and child support are fluid and orders may be modified from time to time.
Modifications often are retroactive back to the date the request to modify is filed, and so filing for a modification as soon as a person become aware of a changed circumstance is critical.
Unfortunately, both parties don’t always follow the Court’s orders. When parties violate court orders, a contempt action is used to force their compliance and possibly punish them for their actions or inactions.
Mediation
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process using a neutral third party, the mediator, to facilitate negotiations and try to broker a settlement on pending issues in a party’s case.
The mediation process often creates a more favorable and less expensive outcome than can be reached by taking the issues to trial and allowing a judge to make decisions you’ll have to live with for years to come.
Many counties in Oklahoma require mediation before a trial date is set in a family law case. The goal of mediation is to promote understanding, reconciliation, and settlement between two people who often are linked by children and who will have continuing contact with each other for the rest of their lives.
Parenting Coordinator
A Parenting Coordinator is typically a family law attorney appointed by the Court to help reduce conflict between parents by facilitating agreement, identifying needed resources, and making recommendations to the Court for further action when necessary.
To perform this role, a Parenting Coordinator will have meetings with the parents and, at times, their attorneys, and may coordinate with other professionals involved in the child’s life, such as teachers, doctors, and counselors.
By statute, the fees of the parenting coordinator are divided between the parties based on the same income percentages used to determine child support. However, the court may allocate the fees differently based on the circumstances.
Guardian ad Litem
A Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) is an attorney appointed by the Court to protect the best interests of a child. A GAL is required to objectively advocate on behalf of the child .
A GAL is also an officer of the Court, meaning that GAL is charged with the duty of protecting the rights of the child on behalf of the State.
In performing these duties, a GAL will do things such as review documents, interview people who have relationships with the child, present written reports to the Court, and participate in depositions and trials regarding the child’s best interest.
Katherine Lewis
Partner
Kate was born and raised in Tulsa and graduated from Bishop Kelley before attending the University of Oklahoma for both her undergraduate studies and law school.
Kate is known for guiding her clients to great results by setting reasonable expectations and working collaboratively to find mutually beneficial outcomes.
Ron Gore
Partner
Ron is an experienced family law attorney dedicated to promoting good co-parenting and reducing unnecessary conflict in family law cases.
Although Ron believes parties will usually have greater satisfaction with the legal process if they are able to reach agreements, he is an experienced litigator who is always prepared for trial if necessary.
Contact
320 S. Boston Ave., Suite 1026
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
(T) 918.592.1773
(F) 918.447.0211
Hours: By Appointment
Zoom and Telephone Consultations Available
Consultation fee of $150 will be charged at time of consultation.