Deployment can be very challenging for a parent. As a service member, you have to juggle parental duties while also staying on top of your military obligations. Fortunately, Oklahoma understands the difficulties of balancing military service and parenthood. State law offers protections for service members facing custody and visitation issues during an assignment.
Understanding the ODPCVA
The Oklahoma Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act (ODPCVA) protects the parental rights of service members facing deployment. Whether you’re deployed within the U.S. or to another location, this law allows you to do several important things while serving away from home:
- Designate a visitation proxy: You can choose a family member to visit your children for you. This helps your children maintain a connection to your side of the family, even when you can’t be there in person.
- Protect your custody rights: You can prevent the other parent from making permanent custody changes just because of your deployment. This ensures your service to the country doesn’t jeopardize your long-term relationship with your children.
- Request quick hearings: You can ask for expedited custody hearings before you leave. This gives you peace of mind and lets you settle important matters beforehand.
- Attend court remotely: If you can’t be there in person, you can participate in court proceedings electronically. This lets you stay involved in important decisions about your children, even from afar.
If you’re an Oklahoma resident called to active service for more than 30 days, the ODPCVA can protect your rights as a parent.
Making visitation easier for you and your children
Fulfilling your military duties while raising children is a challenging mix. But thanks to legal protections, staying connected with your children is easier than ever. Regular communication is key to staying present in their lives, even from a distance. Whether it’s through video calls, letters or recorded messages, staying in touch helps.
If you expect to face deployment or anticipate custody issues related to your military service, consider seeking a lawyer with experience in military child custody. They can help you understand your rights under the ODPCVA.
