Top Tulsa, OK Child Support Lawyers Near You

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Will I Have To Pay Child Support in a Divorce?

In a divorce where the couple has children, they will have to decide how to divide the property and how to share time with the children. The child custody order can determine which parent will pay child support. In most cases, the parent with the most parenting time is usually the custodial parent. The other parent is the noncustodial parent. In general, the noncustodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent but it depends on the individual situation.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Oklahoma?

The amount of child support is usually based on Oklahoma child support guidelines. Child support guidelines are calculated based on several factors, including parents’ income, number of children, custody time, child care, health insurance, other child support obligations, and other expenses. Calculating child support also takes into account where the parents live and travel expenses for visitation time with the child.

Can a Lawyer Change Child Support Payments?

If a parent thinks they didn’t get enough money, they may want to increase child support payments to properly care for their child. The parent paying the money may want to reduce the child support order because they don’t think the other parent will use the money properly. If you want to modify an existing child support order, you need to show a “substantial change in circumstances.” Your child support lawyer can file a petition for a child support modification.

How Can My Lawyer Enforce Child Support?

If the supporting parent is not paying child support or only pays a portion of the support, you can enforce payment. Your family law attorney can advise you on how you can enforce child support through court orders or with help from the Oklahoma child support services. Enforcement can include putting a levy on their bank account or lien on their property, garnishing wages, or taking tax refund money.

Does Child Support Affect My Taxes?

Child support payments are not tax deductible for the parent paying the support and the payments received are not considered income for the custodial parent. However, if you owe past-due child support, a taxpayer’s refunds may be reduced to pay the back child support.

What Happens if I Fail To Pay Child Support?

If you are having trouble paying child support, you can go to the court to petition to modify the support obligation. In general, you will have to show a substantial change in circumstances to get a reduction. This could include loss of your job, disabling injury, getting sent to prison, or facing a medical emergency. If you fail to make child support payments, they will continue to build. Back child support does not go away and it is not erased. Even if you go through personal bankruptcy, it will not erase child support debt. You may also have your driver’s license suspended or lose public assistance if you fail to pay child support.

When Does Child Support End?

A parent’s obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority. However, some states extend the age of majority obligations if the child begins attending college or other qualifying school. The parent’s child support obligations also end if the child becomes emancipated through the courts, gets married, or enters active-duty military.

Does Child Support Affect My Taxes?

Child support payments are not tax deductible for the parent paying the support and the payments received are not considered income for the custodial parent. However, if you owe past-due child support, a taxpayer’s refunds may be reduced to pay the back child support.

Can I Deny Visitation if My Ex Doesn’t Pay Support?

Child support matters and visitation rights are separate. It may not seem fair but whether or not your ex pays child support doesn’t mean you can violate the child custody order. Similarly, if your ex doesn’t let you see your child, you still have to pay support. If you want to enforce a child custody agreement or enforce child support issues, you should go to family law court instead of taking matters into your own hands. Talk to a child support attorney or law firm for legal advice about your child support case and legal issues.

Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney

• How many years have you been practicing law? How long have you practiced law in the local area?
• How many cases similar to mine have you handled in the past?
• What is the likely outcome for my case?

In legal practice, experience matters. An experienced attorney will likely have handled issues similar to yours many, many times. Therefore, after listening to your situation, the attorney should have a reasonable idea of the time line for a case like yours and the likely resolution.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation

Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.

Tips on Hiring an Experienced Lawyer with Child Support Cases

The more experienced a lawyer is in legal practice, the more likely he/she will be able to bring about a successful resolution to your issue. Since experience matters, lawyers who’ve been practicing law for many years (with a successful track record) tend to be in high demand. You should look for information about a lawyer’s experience and ask questions during the initial meeting. It’s a very good idea to ask the lawyer how many years he/she has been practicing law and the expected outcome of your case.

Common legal terms explained

Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.