Tulsa Attorney Blog
Navigating Child Support for Special Needs Children
Are you facing a situation where you have a child with special needs and you're unsure about how it impacts your parental obligations, particularly when it comes to child support? As an attorney with Wirth Law Office, I have seen how special needs can play a significant role in the family law process, especially when it comes to financial support for the child. In cases where a child with special needs requires ongoing care and support even after reaching adulthood, the courts may extend the child support obligation beyond the age of 18 or high school graduation. It's a challenging and heartbreaking situation, but legal assistance is available to help navigate through these complex issues. If you need guidance or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's work together to make law easy for you and your family. Read more »Navigating Termination of Parental Rights: Legal Aspects Explained
Are you considering terminating someone's parental rights? Attorney Carl Birkhead from Wirth Law Office is here to help simplify the process for you. In his years of experience practicing family and criminal law, Carl has encountered many situations where one parent wants to terminate the rights of the other. Whether it's due to a lack of relationship with the child or failure to provide financial support, there are legal grounds for termination. Carl explains the steps and requirements involved in this process, emphasizing the importance of having another parent willing to step in and take on those responsibilities. If you're considering this option, don't hesitate to reach out to Carl for guidance. Read more »How To Assert Your Rights As A Father
Are you the father of a child and you want to know how to establish your rights? My name is Carl Birkhead, an attorney with Wirth Law Office. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of ensuring fathers have the opportunity to see their children and have their rights protected. If you have a child out of wedlock, it's crucial to establish paternity to assert your rights. Whether you're seeking custody, visitation, or child support, we can help guide you through the legal process. Don't wait to protect your rights as a father – contact us today for assistance. Let's make law easy together. Read more »What To Do When Visitation Isn’t Happening
Are you being denied visitation with your child? Attorney Carl Birkhead from Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has the solution for you. In his seven years of practice, he has dealt with countless cases where one parent refuses to comply with visitation orders. Whether it's around the holidays or due to child support issues, Carl is here to help. By filing a motion to enforce visitation, you can take legal action to ensure you get the time with your child that you are entitled to. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance and make law easy with Carl Birkhead on your side. Read more »Do You Need an Emergency Protective Order?
If you're in a situation where you feel unsafe and in danger, you may need to consider obtaining an emergency protective order. An emergency protective order, or EPO, is a legal tool that can help protect you from immediate harm. Whether it's a domestic situation or someone stalking and harassing you, an EPO can provide the protection you need. However, obtaining and keeping an EPO can be challenging. It's important to have evidence to support your case and justify the need for protection. If you're in need of assistance with obtaining an EPO, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Wirth Law Group in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We're here to help make the legal process easy for you. Read more »The Truth About Common-Law Marriage
Are you unsure if you are in a common-law marriage? Attorney Carl Birkhead from Wirth Law Office has the answers for you. With seven years of experience, he breaks down what it takes to establish a common-law marriage and what evidence is needed to prove or disprove it. From a meeting of the minds to filing taxes together, Carl explains the key elements that determine if a common-law marriage exists. If you're facing a situation where someone is claiming you're in a common-law marriage when you're not, Carl can help. Reach out to Wirth Law Office for expert legal guidance. Read more »Public Intoxication: What You Need to Know
Public intoxication can have serious consequences, as attorney Carl Birkhead explains. In his years of experience with criminal and family law, he has seen countless cases where individuals have been unfairly charged with public intoxication. One example he gives is of a client who was arrested for simply being in the backseat of a car after a designated driver got into an accident. This client never drove under the influence, yet still found herself facing a PI charge. Carl emphasizes the importance of being cautious when drinking and ensuring you are in a safe environment to avoid any legal trouble. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't hesitate to contact Carl for help. Read more »How to Enforce Your Child Custody Agreement: A Parent’s Guide
Are you struggling to enforce a child custody order? It can be a frustrating and emotional experience when the other party refuses to abide by the court's decision. That's where I come in. As a lawyer with Wirth Law Firm, I specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of family law, including enforcing custody orders. Whether you're dealing with visitation issues or custody violations, I can assist you in filing the necessary motions to ensure that your rights are protected. Don't hesitate to reach out for help. Let's work together to make sure that your custody order is enforced effectively and efficiently. Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. Read more »Empowering Dads: Understanding Your Rights in Paternity and Custody
Are you a father facing a child custody situation? Attorney Carl Birkhead from Wirth Law Office is here to help explain your rights, especially in cases where the child is born out of wedlock. While married fathers have automatic rights, unmarried fathers must take steps to establish paternity and assert their rights. From signing the birth certificate to filing a petition to establish paternity, there are ways to protect your relationship with your child. Don't wait until it's too late to fight for your rights as a father. Contact Carl Birkhead at Wirth Law Office for guidance on navigating the legal process. Read more »Unlocking Joint Parenting: How to Create a Winning Custody Plan
Are you in a child custody case and wondering about the importance of a parenting plan? Attorney Carl Birkhead from Wirth Law Office explains how a parenting plan plays into a joint custody agreement. Contrary to popular belief, joint custody doesn't always mean equal time with the children. A parenting plan covers important decisions like education, medical care, and extracurricular activities. While you don't have to consult your co-parent on everyday matters, big decisions must be made together. It's crucial to understand the terms of a joint parenting plan to avoid legal consequences. If you have questions or need guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to Carl Birkhead for help. Read more »Dollars and Dilemmas: Financial Insights for Child Custody Cases
Finances can have a significant impact on child custody cases, but it's not always about who has the most money. As attorney Carl Birkhead explains, what's most important is the best interest of the child. Factors such as work schedules and availability can play a crucial role in determining custody, regardless of income levels. It's essential to consider all aspects of each parent's situation and how it will affect the child's well-being. If you're facing a custody battle where finances are a concern, seeking legal advice can help you navigate the process and ensure the best outcome for your children. Contact Wirth Law Firm for assistance in making law easy. Read more »The Ripple Effect: How Domestic Violence Affects Visitation Arrangements
Are you facing a child custody case involving domestic violence and unsure of how it may impact visitation rights? Attorney Carl Birkhead from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is here to help. In a heartfelt message, Carl explains the complexities of such cases and offers valuable insights on how to navigate the legal system to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved. Whether you are a victim seeking protection for your children or an accused parent fighting for visitation rights, Carl emphasizes the importance of seeking professional guidance and exploring options such as supervised visitation to facilitate healthy relationships. Trust Carl to make law easy for you. Read more »Handling Child Custody Jurisdiction: A Legal Guide
Are you in the middle of a child custody case and you want to change jurisdiction? My name is Carl Birkhead. I'm an attorney with Wirth Law Office. I want to help you make law easy by explaining a little bit about jurisdictional laws and how they relate to child custody. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act states that the only state that can enter orders regarding child custody is the home state of the child, where they have lived for six months. If you have questions or need help navigating child custody jurisdiction, please reach out to us. Let us help make the legal process easier for you. Read more »Protecting Your Family: Prevent Parental Kidnapping
Parental kidnapping is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for both parents and children involved. As an attorney with years of experience in family and criminal law, I have seen firsthand the complexities of these cases. It is crucial to remember that both parents have rights when it comes to their children, and running off with them can result in serious legal consequences. If you are facing a situation where your children have been taken out of state by the other parent, it is important to seek legal help immediately. We can assist you in navigating the legal process and working towards a resolution that is in the best interest of you and your children. Don't hesitate to reach out for help – we are here to make law easy for you. Read more »Navigating a Heavily Contested Divorce With Ease
Are you facing a heavily contested divorce? Attorney Carl Birkhead from Wirth Law Office in Tulsa is here to help guide you through the process. From temporary orders to discovery and trial, he explains what to expect in a contested divorce and why it may take longer than expected. With years of experience in family and criminal law, Carl understands the complexities of divorce cases and strives to help his clients find peace amidst the turmoil. If you're in a situation where resolution seems impossible, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. Let Carl Birkhead and Wirth Law Office make law easy for you. Read more »Be Ready for Your Child Custody Case: Expert Preparation Tips
Are you facing a child custody case and feeling overwhelmed? Attorney Carl Birkhead from Wirth Law Office is here to help make the process easier for you. In a child custody case, the standard is what's in the best interest of the child. You'll want to show that you can provide for your child financially, emotionally, and physically. It's also important to highlight why it may not be in the child's best interest to be with the other parent. Carl can provide you with valuable tips and guidance to help you navigate your child custody case. Visit MakeLawEasy.com to learn more. Read more »Guardianship vs Power of Attorney: Which One Do You Need?
Are you unsure whether you need to get guardianship of an adult or just get a power of attorney from them? My name is Carl Birkhead, an attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I've been helping clients navigate the complexities of estate planning for over seven years. I want to make law easy for you by explaining the differences between guardianship and power of attorney, and why it's important to have a power of attorney in place to avoid the lengthy and expensive process of obtaining guardianship. If you have any questions or need assistance with setting up a power of attorney, don't hesitate to reach out to me at MakeLawEasy.com. Read more »Why Fathers Need a Copy of the Acknowledgment of Paternity in Oklahoma
Fathers in Oklahoma need to ensure they have a copy of the Acknowledgement of Paternity if they are not married to the mother of their child. This document is crucial for establishing equal rights and obligations to the child, as stated in a recent statute. Without this document, fathers may face challenges in emergency custody situations or proving their parental rights. By having a copy of the Acknowledgement of Paternity on hand, fathers can protect themselves and their children in legal matters. It is important to consult with an attorney for personalized legal advice and guidance in these situations. Visit MakeLawEasy.com to schedule a consultation. Read more »Understanding Oklahoma's Stricter Strangulation Penalties: HB 1211
Tulsa attorney James Wirth discusses the implications of Senate Bill 1211, which significantly alters the penalties for domestic assault and battery by strangulation in Oklahoma. Effective November 1, 2024, the law amends Title 21, Section 644, increasing the maximum sentence from three to ten years and imposing fines up to $20,000. This change underscores the seriousness of domestic violence cases involving strangulation, broadening its definition to include asphyxiation through pressure on the neck, nostrils, or mouth. For those facing charges or seeking protection, seeking legal counsel is crucial. Visit makelaweasy.com to schedule a consultation with a Tulsa defense attorney. Read more »How To Get a Completed Acknowledgment of Paternity in Oklahoma
Are you a father in Oklahoma looking to obtain an acknowledgment of paternity? Attorney James Wirth breaks down the process in this informative video. Having an acknowledgment of paternity is crucial for fathers who are not married to the mother, as it grants them equal rights and responsibilities to the child. The Oklahoma State Department of Health's division of vital records handles these requests, making it relatively simple to obtain. Whether you call, email, mail, or fax your request, be sure to include all necessary information to receive a certified copy. Don't wait until it's too late – secure your acknowledgment of paternity today. Visit MakeLawEasy.com to schedule a consultation with Attorney James Wirth. Read more »Oklahoma Bans Unregulated Child Custody Transfers: What SB 1601 Means
New law makes unregulated child custody transfers illegal in Oklahoma. Attorney James Wirth breaks down the details of Senate Bill 1601, which aims to prevent parents or guardians from transferring custody of a child with the intent of abandoning their responsibilities. While there are exceptions for certain relationships and approved adoption processes, this new law introduces a misdemeanor offense for those who violate it. Wirth questions the necessity of this legislation, suggesting that existing laws may already cover the same issues as felonies. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to transfer custody of a child, it's important to seek legal advice to ensure you're following the law. Visit MakeLawEasy.com to speak with an attorney about your specific circumstances. Read more »How Does an Evergreen Retainer Work?
In this excerpt, Tulsa attorney James Wirth explains the concept of an evergreen retainer and how it works. He breaks down the different types of retainer agreements, such as contingency, flat fee, and hourly billing, before delving into the details of an evergreen retainer. Using analogies like renting an apartment and keeping a gas tank full, Wirth helps readers understand the purpose and benefits of an evergreen retainer. By maintaining a set amount of money in trust, clients ensure that their attorney will be paid for the work done on their case, allowing for focused attention and a smoother legal process. To learn more about evergreen retainers or other legal matters in Oklahoma, readers are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Wirth's office through MakeLawEasy.com. Read more »Oklahoma Divorce: The Initial Steps After Filing
If you've filed a petition for divorce, the initial steps are crucial in moving your case forward. Serving the other party with notice is essential, as failure to respond within 20 days could result in a default judgment. Gathering all necessary paperwork and information for your attorney is also important, as well as sending out discovery requests to the other party. If children or property are involved, filing for temporary orders and scheduling a parenting plan conference may be necessary. Mediation before trial is also recommended, along with setting deadlines for certain tasks through a scheduling conference. For expert legal advice, contact an attorney at makelaweasy.com. Read more »Unable to Locate Your Spouse for Divorce? Here’s What To Do
Are you struggling to locate your spouse for service of process in a divorce case? Tulsa attorney James Wirth discusses the importance of proper service and the steps to take if you can't find them. From personal service to service by publication, there are options available to ensure due process is followed and the case can move forward. Don't let roadblocks prevent you from seeking justice. Consult with an attorney to navigate the legal process and get the assistance you need. Contact James Wirth's office at makelaweasy.com to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need. Read more »Courtroom Best Practices: Respecting Rules and Procedures
Are you heading to court and you're not sure what the rules are for how to behave or what the procedures are for your particular case? My name is Carl Birkhead. I'm an attorney with Wirth Law Office. I've been doing family and criminal law for about seven years and I want to help you to make law easy by giving you some advice about the do's and don'ts of courtroom practice. The rules and procedures of the courtroom are pretty straightforward regardless of where you are. You stand up when the judge enters the room. Oftentimes, you'll hear the sheriff's deputy or the bailiff or some attorney yell, All rise. Everyone stands up. Judge takes the stand, and says, Take your seats. Everybody gets to sit back down. Don't wear any ball caps in the courtroom. That's a rule in any courthouse I've ever been to. Don't wear your ball caps in the courtroom. It's just a matter of respect. Same thing with no flashing gang signs or rude or derogatory gestures. I had one docket where I saw someone just flipping the bird to everyone they saw and he was already in an orange jumpsuit. The judge just, instead of letting him have his hearing that day, had the bailiff escort him back to the jail because if he was going to be disrespectful, he got to go sit in jail. He didn't get to have his day in court that day. Every courthouse is going to have its little quirks. Some are going to say, no cell phones in the courtroom. Some are going to say, just keep your cell phones on vibrate in the courtroom. Some are going to say, no talking in the courtroom. Some are going to say, no loud talking in the courtroom. You really shouldn't be talking at all, but at the very least, be respectful of the fact that this is serious business going on in court. If you need to have a chat with your buddy, go outside in the hall and have that chat. One of the big rules I see a lot of people get in trouble for is if, let's say your brother Joe is there for a criminal case and he's being held in custody, you can't talk to Joe whenever they bring him in. You can be there for moral support just like, I'm here for you, but you can't say, I'm here for you. You can't say, hey Joe, and you absolutely can't be giving advice. I saw somebody get escorted out of court once because they kept yelling to their friend or their family member who was being held in custody what to do, what to say. They kept trying to interrupt and talk to the judge. Do not interrupt and talk to the judge in any situation. That's something for lawyers to do. That's something for unrepresented pro se parties to do. That's not something for you to do on behalf of your best buddy. It all comes down to respect. It all comes down to just basic common sense and respect that you have to be able to show the court at all times. If you're not sure what to do, or if you think you might need some help guiding you through this process, give us a call. My name is Carl Birkhead. I'm with Wirth Law Office, and I'm here to help you to make law easy. Read more »
