Oklahoma child support is determined by considering several factors, including the income that the parents earn. Events such as job loss or job change can result in significant changes in income.
Oklahoma Child Support Modifications
When events happen that reduce the disposable income available to a non-custodial parent, they could end up owing Oklahoma child support. All owed child support must be paid in Oklahoma. It is a worrisome trend to be behind in child support payments and be without new sources of income to meet future obligations.
Talking to an ex about reducing child support that you pay is a great idea. But the non-custodial parent must go to court and modify the child support due, even when there is an agreement with the other parent.
Oklahoma child support is court-ordered. Thus, the court may not recognize a casual agreement with a spouse to reduce child support payments should a dispute arise in the future. If child support is likely to change by at least 20%, the non-custodial parent has legal grounds to request a modification.
Changes in Oklahoma Laws
can change and alter the amount of child support a parent must pay. However, a parent cannot request a modification of child support based on a change in laws alone. The parent seeking modification must show that there has been a significant change in income earned or financial circumstances and position.
All amendments to Oklahoma child support considers the best interests of the child. If a child support modification motion can show a change in circumstances, then new laws can be applied to modify the child support paid.
Other Changes in Circumstances
Other significant changes in circumstances can lead a parent to request an Oklahoma child support modification. Such conditions include:
• changes in court-ordered custody schedules,
• changes in daycare and medical care costs,
• the permanent medical disability of one or both parents, or
• changes that result in the child being no longer entitled to child support.
How is the Child Support That I Will Pay Calculated?
You might be seeking a modification in child support payments and are wondering how the new rates will be calculated. There are online calculators that can be used to estimate child support amounts.
We at the Divorce Law Office of Oklahoma City have developed an online child support calculator that you can use. We provided the calculator in an online law wiki run by our firm.
Esquire Empire is our legal wiki where you can find the calculator. Our wiki provides information about Oklahoma child support law.
What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer to Modify My Child Support?
While parents can represent themselves in court to have child support modified, the state does provide an attorney if one does not want to represent themselves. The Department of Human Services, Child Support Services offers a pro se packet that can be downloaded from their website. However, this service provided does not address any matters except child support.
An attorney provided by the state will not address custody or visitation orders, or revisit paternity. A judge still must approve the motion for modification of child support when a state-provided lawyer is used.
Also, a state-provided attorney covers a very narrow scope of matters that arise regarding children after a divorce. They do not represent a parent’s interests in the life of their child, but that of the Department of Human Services. Consequently, many parents seeking a modification in child support retain their own attorney.
Low-cost Consultation: Oklahoma City Child Support Attorney
Are you seeking a modification in Oklahoma child support? You want the best for your child, and it’s seldom best to rely on your wits alone to get the most favorable outcome. We are knowledgeable and highly experienced Oklahoma City child support attorneys, and we will provide you with the confidence you need to move forward.
Discover how our family law experts can help you through a difficult time. We offer initial consultations at no cost.
For a initial consultation with one of our attorneys, call 405-880-8222 today.
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