Child Support Attorney Serving
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Raising a child is one of the most challenging yet rewarding responsibilities a person can have. It requires a considerable amount of time, effort, and financial resources. Unfortunately, not all parents can fulfill their child support obligations due to various reasons, such as unemployment, illness, or other personal circumstances. 

In Oklahoma, child support is a legal responsibility that both parents must uphold. When one parent fails to provide financial support for their child, it can cause significant hardships for the custodial parent and impact the well-being of the child. To ensure that children receive the care they need and deserve, the court system allows for enforcement actions against non-paying parents. 

If you're a parent dealing with child support issues in Oklahoma, you need an experienced and compassionate attorney on your side. Our lawyer is dedicated to providing strong representation to ensure fair child support arrangements that reflect what's best for your children in the aftermath of a separation or divorce.   

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we serve clients throughout the surrounding communities. Put our family law attorney's decades of experience in your corner today when you contact our firm and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, rights, and options for proceeding.  

Oklahoma Child Support Guidelines

Oklahoma's child support guidelines are designed to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from both parents. The state uses the "Income Shares Model," which estimates the amount of money that would have been spent on the child if the parents were living together.

The court utilizes this model and considers several factors when calculating child support in Oklahoma: 

• Gross income of both parents: This includes salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, and other earned income. It also considers unearned income such as dividends, interest, and rental income. 

• Child care costs: Necessary expenses for the custodial parent to maintain employment or attend training/education programs. 

• Medical and dental insurance: The cost of health insurance premiums for the child, which is considered a mandatory add-on expense in calculating support. 

• Extraordinary expenses: Any additional costs that are deemed essential for the child's well-being, such as educational needs or special medical care. 

• Parenting time: The amount of time each parent spends with the child, which can also influence the support calculations. More time spent with the child may reduce the non-custodial parent's support obligations. 

Adjustments and Deviations

The court system understands that not all situations fit neatly into the guidelines. Courts have the discretion to adjust or deviate from the standard calculations if it's in the best interest of the child. Reasons for deviation may include significant travel expenses for visitation, extraordinary educational expenses, or disparities in the income of the parents. 

Enforcing Child Support

Oklahoma takes the enforcement of child support orders very seriously. If a parent fails to pay, the state can employ several enforcement mechanisms, such as wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver's licenses, and even pursuing criminal charges. The goal of these tactics is to ensure that all children receive the financial support they need to thrive. 

Understanding these guidelines and how they apply to your unique situation can be challenging. That's why securing knowledgeable legal representation is crucial to maneuvering Oklahoma's child support system effectively. Our attorney is here to help you understand your obligations and advocate for a fair and equitable arrangement. 

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life circumstances can change, which is why the law allows parents to adjust existing child support orders. Whether you've experienced a significant shift in income, employment status, or your child's needs, a modification might be necessary to ensure that the child support arrangement remains fair and current. 

To start the process of modifying a child support order in Oklahoma, you'll need to file a motion for modification with the court that issued the original child support order.

This motion should clearly state the reasons for requesting the change and provide any supporting documentation that demonstrates a substantial and material change in circumstances. Such changes might include a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income, a change in the child's needs, or adjustments in custody arrangements. 

Once the motion is filed, the court will schedule a hearing to review the evidence presented by both parents. During the hearing, both parties will have the opportunity to present their case, including relevant financial documents, employment records, and evidence of changing needs or circumstances. The court will consider this evidence in light of the Oklahoma Child Support Guidelines and the best interests of your child. 

If the court finds that a modification is warranted, it will issue a new child support order that reflects the updated circumstances. It’s important to note that any modifications will only affect future payments; past-due amounts, or arrears, generally remain the same unless otherwise amended by the court.  

This process may vary slightly if both parents agree to the modification. In such cases, an agreed order can be submitted to the court for approval without the need for a formal hearing. Working with an experienced child support attorney can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible and that all necessary documentation is accurately prepared and submitted. 

Our experienced child support lawyer can guide you through the process of requesting a modification to your child support order. Whether you're seeking to increase or reduce the support amount, we will assist you in presenting a compelling case that accurately reflects your updated financial situation and obligations. 

We're Committed to Your Child’s Best Interests

Ensuring the financial well-being of our children is paramount. We are dedicated to helping Oklahoma families achieve child support arrangements that support their children's best interests now and in the future.

By thoroughly considering all relevant factors and advocating for your needs, we aim to secure child support orders that do not unfairly compromise your financial stability or your child's quality of life. 

Our reputation for providing thorough, ethical, and effective representation in child support cases is built on our commitment to our clients' best interests. We understand the profound impact that child support can have on your child's future, and we will work tirelessly to obtain results that meet your child's needs. 

While many child support cases can be resolved through negotiation and mediation, some may require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. Regardless of the path your case takes, our primary goal is to protect your interests and your child's well-being. 

Child Support Attorney Serving Tulsa, Oklahoma

If you're dealing with child support issues in Tulsa, Oklahoma, reach out to The Alexander Law Firm. We offer experienced and compassionate representation and guide you through each step of the legal process. Schedule a free consultation today to discover how we can help you protect your rights and your children's best interests.