Shelton Law is the best choice if you are looking for a family law firm in Oklahoma City for your child support case. They are extremely experienced in the field and have successfully won numerous cases.
These cases can be quite complex, which makes hiring effective child support lawyers essential. Also, regardless of the family law attorney on your case, it is important to be familiar with how child support matters get handled in court. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how these cases work, how kid support lawyers can help you, and why you should choose Shelton Law.
Child Support in Oklahoma
If parents divorce, a child support order requires the parent without custody to pay the parent with custody to help with childcare expenses. The amount of child support varies depending on a variety of factors, such as these:
Income
Your income is a primary factor when determining the support amount. If your income changes, you must inform the court, as it may alter the amount you receive. A skilled family law attorney can help to maximize the amount you receive after these changes.
Overall Childcare Costs
Because overall childcare costs are a primary factor in determining the payment amount, you should offer to provide information about all of your major childcare-related expenses.
Health Insurance Expenses
Health insurance can create a significant expense and the need for children’s health insurance factors into child support cases. The cost of insurance may be partially or fully included in the total amount of child support.
The Number of Children
The number of children in the home will also play a critical role in how much you receive. However, other factors will also play a role, such as the children’s ages and any expenses specific to one child.
The Court’s Role in Determining the Amount and Future Modifications
The court will calculate how much the payments will be, and it will be necessary to update the court on future changes. This is because future changes could lead to modifications, altering the payment amount.
Why Get a Child Support Lawyer?
It is important to have the right representation to launch a successful case. A child support lawyer can help to ensure that you receive the right amount of support and help you with necessary changes to the court orders over time. Here are some ways that child support lawyers help you:
- Ensure that your rights and interests are consistently represented.
- Negotiate fair payment.
- Ensure that the court enforces existing child support obligations.
- Make it easier to modify orders and help you effectively navigate the court system.
Child Support Lawyers for Fathers
As a father, it is important to have legal representation for these cases. Shelton Law is an excellent family law attorney for both fathers and mothers. Child support lawyers will ensure that the amount you get instructed to pay is fair considering your financial circumstances and helps to protect visitation rights. They can also make it easier to modify your order if your circumstances change due to financial issues and/or job loss.
Child Support Lawyers for Mothers
Not only will having a family law attorney from Shelton Law ensure that you receive adequate payment for food, healthcare, and housing, but they will also help ensure that the court properly enforces the order if you do not receive payment. Also, increases in expenses (e.g., medical bills and other unanticipated circumstances) may necessitate a modification to the order, which child support lawyers can help you with.
Can I File for Child Support Without a Lawyer?
It is possible to file without a lawyer. Still, your chances of a successful case without legal representation will be far lower. Child support lawyers will help you avoid errors that could hurt your case, negotiate your case in court, and have a professional understanding of the process, including the complex paperwork needed to file a case.
How Child Support is Calculated in Oklahoma
Oklahoma uses the “income share” method. This method looks at the combined incomes of both parents, monthly childcare costs, and medical expenses related to the children. The number of shared overnights where both parents are with the children is a factor. With this simple calculator, it is possible to estimate the amount of support you will be entitled to.
What Child Support Covers in Oklahoma
Child support should cover all basic expenses, such as food, housing, clothing, utility bills, and healthcare costs. In addition, expenses related to education exist in certain cases.
Child Support Lawyers Near Me Free Consultation
Shelton Law Firm is highly experienced in the field, and they fully understand child support guidelines and the family laws that apply to these cases. As a dedicated team of family law attorneys with more than 75 years of combined experience, they have helped many mothers and fathers navigate these complex cases.
You can also rest assured that this child support attorney will provide clear communication to ensure you remain informed throughout the process. They will be committed to your case and always have your best interests in mind.
Child Support Lawyers Oklahoma FAQs
What is the difference between child support and child custody?
The parent who has child custody is the legal guardian of the child(ren), and the child(ren) lives with this parent. Child support is the parent without custody payments to the custodial parent.
How long does it take to establish a child support order?
It takes approximately 180 days to establish the order. However, the specific amount of time varies, and it may be possible in your case to establish child support sooner.
What happens if the other parent doesn’t pay child support?
Wage garnishment and property liens are common tools a court uses to ensure payment of the orders. In addition, failure to pay child support is a crime in Oklahoma. It is considered contempt of court, a misdemeanor or felony with up to four years of jail time.
Can I modify an existing child support order?
It is possible to modify an existing order if your circumstances change. A skilled family law attorney like Shelton Law can help you begin the process, and your local child support agency will review the case.
Shelton Law Firm is a trusted law office serving Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. As a leading criminal defense attorney, personal injury attorney, estate planning attorney, and family attorney, we offer a wide range of legal services to protect your rights and interests. From defending against criminal charges to handling complex personal injury cases, our experienced attorneys are committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel. Trust Shelton Law Firm for your legal needs in OKC.