Las Vegas, NV asked in Domestic Violence, Child Custody and Family Law for Oklahoma

Q: Does a Nevada TPO and custody carry over to Oklahoma?

I recently fled a domestic violence relationship in Oklahoma and relocated to Nevada with my children. I acquired a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) in Nevada, where I was also granted temporary custody on March 18th, 2025. I registered this order with the state of Oklahoma. There is no prior custody order in Oklahoma, but the father filed a motion for custody and petition for paternity there on March 14th, 2025. The father has been served with the notice of my TPO and custody order in Nevada. Does this temporary custody order carry over to Oklahoma, and what should I be aware of regarding the father's motion in Oklahoma?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: The courts will have to determine jurisdiction. It sounds like you just recently moved, and the residence of the minor child would have been in Oklahoma prior to you leaving. Which then most likely, the fathers motion will be heard here, and the Nevada court will most likely transfer their case to consolidate with the Oklahoma case. This is not a for sure thing, but based on the limited facts, the assumptions made based on those, that is most likely the way it will go. Consult an attorney in Nevada to discuss as well.

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Answered

A: The Temporary Protective Order (TPO) and temporary custody granted in Nevada may not automatically carry over to Oklahoma, but they should be recognized and enforced under the federal Full Faith and Credit Clause. Since you registered the Nevada order in Oklahoma, it can be enforced there, but the Oklahoma court may still review the situation and determine custody matters based on its laws.

Regarding the father’s motion for custody and petition for paternity, you will need to respond to his filing in Oklahoma court. The Oklahoma court will likely assess the situation, including the TPO and the temporary custody order, and will decide whether to maintain or modify the custody arrangement. Since the father has been served notice, the court will likely schedule a hearing to address his petition.

You should be prepared to present your case in Oklahoma, including the TPO and evidence of the domestic violence situation in Nevada. It may be helpful to consult with an attorney in Oklahoma who can guide you through the legal process and ensure your safety and the best interests of your children are prioritized.

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