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On May 11, 2026, Oklahoma lawmakers passed a new family law reform bill that aims to support children of divorced parents and improve the overall family court system in the state. The bill, known as the Children's Best Interest Act, was overwhelmingly approved by both the House and Senate and is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.One of the key provisions of the Children's Best Interest Act is the establishment of a legal presumption that joint custody is in the best interest of the child in divorce cases. This means that unless there is evidence to the contrary, judges will be required to award joint custody to both parents, allowing children to maintain strong relationships with both their mother and father.Additionally, the bill includes measures to streamline the divorce process and reduce the financial burden on families going through a divorce. For example, it requires couples to attend mediation before proceeding to court and eliminates the need for multiple court appearances in uncontested divorce cases.Moreover, the Children's Best Interest Act includes provisions to address the issue of parental alienation, where one parent intentionally undermines the child's relationship with the other parent. The bill allows judges to impose penalties on parents found guilty of alienating their child from the other parent, such as requiring counseling or supervised visitation.Supporters of the new family law reform bill believe that it will help reduce conflict in divorce cases, prioritize the well-being of children, and ultimately lead to more fair and equitable outcomes for families in Oklahoma. However, critics argue that the emphasis on joint custody may not be appropriate in all situations and could potentially put children at risk in cases of domestic violence or abuse.Overall, the passage of the Children's Best Interest Act represents a significant step towards improving the family court system in Oklahoma and ensuring that the best interests of children are at the forefront of decisions made in divorce cases. The implementation of the new law is expected to have a positive impact on families across the state for years to come.