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On July 28, 2025, the Oklahoma state government passed a series of revisions to the state's family law code, including significant changes to child custody laws. These updates mark a significant shift in how family courts will approach custody arrangements in the state.One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a presumption of shared custody in divorce cases. Under this new law, judges will be required to start from the assumption that both parents should have equal time with their children unless compelling evidence is presented to demonstrate that this arrangement would not be in the best interests of the child.This presumption of shared custody represents a departure from the previous standard, which often favored one parent over the other, typically the mother. Proponents of the new law argue that this change will help ensure that children maintain strong relationships with both parents following a divorce, promoting stability and emotional well-being.In addition to the presumption of shared custody, the updated laws also include provisions aimed at addressing issues of domestic violence and parental alienation. Under these new regulations, judges will be required to consider allegations of abuse or alienation when making custody determinations, and may restrict or deny custody rights to parents who engage in such behavior.These changes have been met with both support and criticism from various stakeholders. Advocates of shared custody argue that it will help reduce conflict between parents and promote a more cooperative co-parenting environment. On the other hand, some critics worry that the presumption of shared custody may not always be in the best interests of the child, particularly in cases where abuse or neglect is present.Overall, these revisions to Oklahoma's family law code represent a significant step forward in modernizing the state's approach to child custody. By prioritizing the best interests of the child and promoting equal parental involvement, these laws aim to create more equitable and stable custody arrangements for families across the state.