Specific numbers are not available. Officials agree the volume of disputed cases has increased as more fathers ask for custody. When it comes to the application of law, custody is frequently misunderstood. Parents seeking help frequently contact the court clerk or District Attorney's office. Neither office has the authority or resources to provide legal services.
Individual circumstances change the way the law applies.
Judges and court officials recommend individuals are best served by hiring an attorney. Civil legal service can be obtained free or at a reduced cost through Legal Aid of Western Oklahoma in certain cases. Legal Aid serves the low income and elderly through offices located in the Ardmoreite building. In a general application of law, it was agreed that Asberry's problems were compounded by a failure to petition the court for assistance before the statute of limitation expired to enforce the original order. His case has exceptions because his daughter is in Florida.