Oklahoma Lawyers Counsel Parents on Child Support Issues
Claremore family law attorneys serve clients throughout the area
Meeting the financial needs of your son or daughter becomes more complicated when parents no longer live together. The knowledgeable family law attorneys at Price Law, P.C. in Claremore advise parents in Rogers County and the surrounding area on a full range of child support issues, including modification and enforcement actions. Throughout northeast Oklahoma, we work diligently to prepare clients and safeguard their interests if a dispute exists.
What is included in a support order?
Each situation is unique, and our firm provides personalized counsel to give you the best chance of emerging from the process with a child support order that covers important elements such as:
- Living expenses — After a divorce, each parent is bound to provide for a certain share of the young person’s basic living expenses. This typically means that the party with primary residential child custody receives funds from the other parent in an amount based on the share of the total income that each person earns.
- Medical bills — Though health insurance premiums are addressed in the basic child support formula, your son or daughter might have special needs that should be addressed when making financial arrangements.
- Education & extracurricular activity costs — Many parents choose to make arrangements to fund education costs as well as expensive extracurricular activities. Courts may order contribution by your spouse toward private school tuition or other educational expenses, as well as for sports activities, musical lessons and other extracurricular activities.
Within the state, child support obligations usually end when the child turns 18, but can continue until their 20th birthday if your son or daughter is still in high school.
How are child support payments calculated?
To establish a child support rate that treats both parents fairly, Oklahoma uses a formula with numerous factors. After recording how much time in a year the child spends in each parent’s home, the child support amount is calculated using information on both parents’ income as well as how much each party pays for health insurance premiums and child care costs. Though this might seem like a straightforward determination, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer by your side to ensure that proper information is provided and that your co-parent is not willfully reducing their income to lower their child support obligation.
Can child support orders be modified in Oklahoma?
The elements that go into a child support determination can change quickly. An illness or job loss might compel someone to seek a modification from the court. You can petition for a change if the new circumstances would lead to a significant adjustment of the current child support amount. Whether you believe a shift is warranted or you’re opposed to a modification your co-parent has requested, our firm will be a strong advocate in negotiations and, if necessary, court proceedings.
How is child support enforced?
Several different methods exist to persuade a noncustodial parent to pay their child support obligation. Potential sanctions that can be levied by the Department of Human Services may include wage garnishment and the suspension of a driver’s or professional license. If you haven’t received proper payment, the court can also find your co-parent in contempt. Alternatively, if you are required to make payments and cannot send the full amount for some reason, we can advise you of your options and work to forge a solution before you face serious punishment.
Contact a dedicated Rogers County lawyer for a free consultation regarding child support
Price Law, P.C. represents Oklahoma parents in all types of child support proceedings, such as modification and enforcement actions. To schedule a free consultation at our Claremore office, please call 866-206-1218 or contact us online.
