Child Support Attorney in Pawhuska

How Our Firm Can Help

At the Shoemake Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome in their child support cases. We understand the heavy financial burden that can come with raising a child, and we can help you fight for the support you need to provide for your child. We also know that child support disputes can be highly contentious, and we are prepared to provide you with the compassionate legal counsel you need during this difficult time.

Do you need assistance with a child support case? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team. We can help you understand your options and begin building a strong case.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Oklahoma?

Child support payments are calculated based on the income of both parents, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. In many cases, child support is paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent, but this is not always the case. In some situations, the custodial parent may be ordered to pay child support if they have a high income or the noncustodial parent has a low income.

In Oklahoma, child support is calculated using the following guidelines:

• 20% of the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income for one child
• 25% of the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income for two children
• 30% of the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income for three children
• 35% of the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income for four children
• 40% of the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income for five or more children

These guidelines are not set in stone, and the court can deviate from them if it is in the best interest of the child. They may also be adjusted if the noncustodial parent has other child support obligations or if the child has significant medical expenses.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Oklahoma?

Child support in Oklahoma typically lasts until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. In some cases, the court may order the noncustodial parent to continue paying child support after this time if the child is still in school or has special needs.

How to Enforce Child Support Orders

Child support is a court order that must be followed. If your ex-spouse is not making their child support payments, you have the right to take legal action to enforce the order.

There are several steps you can take to enforce a child support order, including:

• Send a written request for payment to the other parent
• Ask your local child support agency to enforce the order
• File a motion for contempt with the court
• Place a lien on the other parent's property
• Seize the other parent's assets or income
• Take the other parent to court for civil or criminal contempt

If you are having trouble enforcing a child support order, our firm can help. We can explain your legal options and help you take the necessary steps to enforce the order.

How to Modify Child Support Orders

Child support orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances. If you or your ex-spouse has experienced a significant increase or decrease in income, you may be able to obtain a modification.

Modifications can also be obtained if there has been a significant change in the child's needs. For example, if the child has developed a medical condition that requires expensive treatment, you may be able to obtain a modification to help cover these costs.

There are several steps you must take to modify a child support order, including:

• File a motion to modify with the court
• Provide evidence of the change in circumstances
• Attend a hearing

If you believe you are entitled to a modification, our firm can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. We can also help you seek a temporary modification if you are struggling to keep up with your child support payments due to a temporary change in circumstances, such as a job loss.

How to Establish Paternity in Oklahoma

Child support is typically only ordered if the child's parents are not married. If you are the custodial parent and your child's father is not making child support payments, you may need to establish paternity before you can take legal action.

In Oklahoma, paternity can be established in the following ways:

• The child's father can sign an acknowledgment of paternity
• The child's parents can sign a Voluntary Affidavit of Paternity
• The child's mother can file a paternity action with the court
• The child's father can file a paternity action with the court

If you need to establish paternity, our firm can help. We can explain your legal options and help you take the necessary steps to establish paternity and obtain child support.

How to Terminate Child Support in Oklahoma

Child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, there are certain circumstances in which a parent may be required to continue making child support payments after this time. For example, if the child has special needs, the court may order the noncustodial parent to continue making child support payments indefinitely. Child support may also be extended if the child is still in high school or college.

If you believe you are no longer required to make child support payments, our firm can help you understand your options. We can review the details of your case and help you determine if you are eligible to terminate your child support obligation.

Call Our Firm Today

If you need assistance with a child support case, turn to the Shoemake Law Firm. Our child support lawyer in Pawhuska has a deep understanding of this area of law, and we can help you navigate the legal process. We offer personalized legal services, and we will fight for your rights every step of the way.

Call our firm today at (918) 380-3444 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our child support attorney in Pawhuska.