Legal Spotlight: What Is the Oklahoma Fire and Police Arbitration Act?
Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Legal Spotlight: What Is the Oklahoma Fire and Police Arbitration Act?

When it comes to protecting the rights of Oklahoma’s firefighters and police officers, one of the most important—and often misunderstood—laws is the Oklahoma Fire and Police Arbitration Act (FPAA). Passed in the early 1970s, the FPAA governs the legal relationship between municipalities and unionized public safety employees. Despite its age, many of the law’s principles are still being defined through ongoing litigation and arbitration.

If you’re a union representative, public safety employee, or municipal leader navigating labor issues, understanding how the FPAA works is essential.

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Understanding Replevin Law in Oklahoma: What It Is and How It Works
Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Understanding Replevin Law in Oklahoma: What It Is and How It Works

When personal property is wrongfully taken or withheld, replevin is the legal remedy that allows the rightful owner to recover it. In Oklahoma, replevin actions are a powerful and often necessary tool to reclaim possession of property to resolve ownership. Whether you're a lienholder, lender, business owner, or private party, understanding how replevin works in Oklahoma can help you protect your rights.

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Do You Need a Will or a Trust?
Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Do You Need a Will or a Trust?

Estate planning in Oklahoma is about protecting your loved ones, ensuring your wishes are followed, and avoiding unnecessary legal complications. Whether you need a will, trust, or both depends on your personal circumstances, financial situation, and goals for the future. Without an estate plan, Oklahoma law determines who inherits your assets, which may not align with your wishes.

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Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

What is Probate in Oklahoma?

Probate is the legal process in which an Oklahoma court oversees the administration and distribution of a deceased person’s estate. This process ensures that the deceased’s assets are legally transferred to heirs and beneficiaries, debts and taxes are settled, and that all necessary legal procedures are followed.

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Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Intestate Succession in Oklahoma: What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

If you pass away without a valid will in Oklahoma, state intestate succession laws will determine who inherits your assets. This means that instead of you deciding how your estate is distributed, Oklahoma law makes those decisions for you—and they may not align with your wishes. This guide explains how intestate succession works, who inherits what, and why estate planning is crucial to ensure your assets go to the right people.

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How Oklahoma Custody Laws Define the Best Interests of the Child
Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

How Oklahoma Custody Laws Define the Best Interests of the Child

When parents separate or divorce, child custody decisions in Oklahoma are based on one primary legal standard: the best interests of the child. Courts prioritize a child’s well-being, stability, and emotional security when determining custody and visitation arrangements.

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Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial Agreements: Protecting Your Marriage & Future

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in Oklahoma are powerful legal tools that help couples define financial expectations, protect assets, and reduce conflicts in case of a divorce. While no one wants to plan for a worst-case scenario, having a solid agreement in place can provide clarity, security, and peace of mind.

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Understanding Property Division in an Oklahoma Divorce
Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Understanding Property Division in an Oklahoma Divorce

One of the most significant issues in a divorce is the division of property and debt. In Oklahoma, courts follow equitable distribution laws, meaning that assets are divided fairly—but not necessarily equally—between spouses.

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What Is a Joint Parenting Plan in Oklahoma?
Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

What Is a Joint Parenting Plan in Oklahoma?

Creating a joint parenting plan is a critical step in Oklahoma paternity cases and divorces involving minor children. When parents seek joint custody, the court requires a detailed parenting plan that outlines how both parents will share responsibilities, decision-making, and time with their child.

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Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Hearings in the Oklahoma Divorce Process: What to Expect

Court hearings play a critical role in the Oklahoma divorce process. Whether your case involves child custody, spousal support, asset division, or temporary orders, hearings provide the legal framework to resolve disputes and move toward finalizing your divorce.

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Oklahoma Divorce Laws: A Comprehensive Guide
Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Oklahoma Divorce Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating divorce in Oklahoma can be complex, especially when it involves child custody, asset division, and spousal support. Understanding the laws, procedures, and timelines can help you make informed decisions and prepare for the process ahead.

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Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

Plan Smart: Emergency Custody Tips for Parents

If you’re considering filing for emergency custody in Oklahoma, it’s crucial to understand the legal process, timing, and evidence required to support your claim. Courts take emergency custody filings seriously, especially during holidays and school breaks, but they also scrutinize these requests carefully to prevent misuse.

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Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

The Divorce Trial Process in Oklahoma

While trials are less common than negotiated settlements, they are sometimes unavoidable in high-conflict cases. If you are facing a contested divorce in Oklahoma, understanding what to expect in the trial process can help you prepare.

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Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

How Protective Orders Impact an Oklahoma Divorce

Not all divorces are amicable. In high-conflict cases involving domestic disputes, harassment, or threats of violence, protective orders may be necessary to ensure safety and provide emotional and physical space during the divorce process. However, while protective orders can serve an important role in safeguarding individuals, they also come with legal consequences that may affect child custody, asset division, and the overall divorce proceedings.

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How Does Oklahoma Calculate Child Support Payments?
Travis Vernier Travis Vernier

How Does Oklahoma Calculate Child Support Payments?

Ensuring financial support for children is not just a moral obligation—it’s the law. In Oklahoma, parents are legally required to provide financial support for their children, whether married, divorced, or never married. When parents separate, child support obligations must be determined and approved by the court.

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