Tulsa Child Support Attorneys

Compassionate Legal Assistance for Child Support Issues

Child support can become an extremely contentious issue between two parents. You may need help in determining the child support amount you will receive or be required to pay. You may also need an attorney to help you enforce a child support court order. These situations can be addressed and handled by a Tulsa child support lawyer at Hensley and Associates, PLLC.

What is Child Support?

Every parent has a duty to financially support his or her child. Oklahoma has enacted laws to protect the children of divorced or unmarried parents through child support provisions. Child support is generally given to the custodial parent by the non-custodial parent.

It is also a common order for a higher-earning parent to provide this support so that the child’s needs may be met in the same manner as before the marriage ended. Generally, child support payments are required to be paid until the child turns 18 or until they graduate from high school.

Child support payments are intended to help pay for:

• Food
• Housing
• Clothing
• Education
• Transportation
• Medical and dental needs

How Is Child Support Determined in Oklahoma?

The amount of child support is determined by a basic guideline set up by the state of Oklahoma. This guideline involves a mathematical formula that takes into account the gross income of each parent. The support amount is a percentage of these incomes, which is then split based on various factors.

Factors considered under Oklahoma child support law include, but are not limited to:

• The cost of daycare
• Health insurance costs
• The number of children the couple has together
• How much time each parent spends with the child
• Whether child support is paid for other children from other relationships

At Hensley and Associates, PLLC, we understand that child support matters are deeply personal and can be emotionally charged. Tulsa child support lawyers provide compassionate and personalized representation to help you navigate these challenging situations with confidence and achieve the best possible outcome for your child.

How is Child Support Established in Oklahoma?

Child support orders can be established through various means, including:

• Negotiation: Parents may be able to reach an agreement on child support through negotiation and mediation.
• Litigation: If parents cannot agree on child support, the matter may need to be resolved through litigation in court.
• Administrative process: Oklahoma offers an administrative process for establishing child support through the Oklahoma Child Support Enforcement Division.

Understanding the legal process of filing for child support is crucial to ensure your rights are protected. It's advisable to consult with a Tulsa child support attorney to guide you through the process and understand your legal rights. You'll then need to file a petition with the district court in the county where you or the child resides, outlining your request for child support. The other parent must be served with a copy of the petition and other legal documents. The legal process may involve discovery (gathering evidence), hearings, and potentially a trial. If the court grants your request, a child support order will be issued.

Is it Possible to Modify Child Support in Oklahoma?

Child support orders are not set in stone. They can be modified under certain circumstances, such as:

• Change in income: If either parent's income significantly increases or decreases.
• Change in the child's needs: If the child's needs have significantly increased due to special needs or other factors.
• Change in custody: If the custody arrangement changes significantly.

Comprehensive Legal Assistance for Parents

We are dedicated exclusively to family law issues. We understand the impact that a divorce can have on children, which is why we strive to protect the best interests of the child or children involved in child support cases. Whether you and your spouse are able to negotiate or you have to take any family law case to litigation, our child support lawyers in Tulsa have the skill and determination to help you resolve your dispute as efficiently as possible.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the minimum child support amount in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma does not have a fixed minimum child support amount. Instead, it's determined on a case-by-case basis using the Income Shares Model, which considers both parents' incomes and divides child-rearing costs proportionally. The percentage of the combined parental income typically ranges from 14% to 28% for one child, 20% to 34% for two children, and 25% to 40% or more for three or more children, though these are general ranges and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.

How long does it take to get child support after filing in Oklahoma?

The amount of time it takes to receive child support in Oklahoma after filing can vary greatly depending on whether the case is uncontested or contested. If both parents agree on the child support amount, the process can be relatively quick, potentially within 2 to 6 months. However, cases involving disagreements about income, custody arrangements, or other complex issues can take significantly longer, potentially 12 to 18 months or more.

Do you have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in Oklahoma?

Yes, even with 50/50 custody, child support obligations may still apply. The court considers the income of both parents and the time the child spends with each parent when determining the appropriate support amount.

What happens if a father doesn't pay child support in Oklahoma?

If a father fails to pay child support, the mother can pursue enforcement actions. These may include wage garnishment, bank account levies, license suspensions, and even passport denial.

How long does child support last in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, child support generally ends when the child reaches the age of 18, graduates from high school (up to age 19), becomes emancipated (legally independent), dies, or a court order modifies or terminates the support obligation.

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