When Life Changes, Child Support Can Too
Life is unpredictable. We can lose a job or face unexpected expenses. We may face an unexpected illness with medical bills. You could be driving to work and have a serious accident. For a father with child support obligations, unexpected changes can cause legal troubles that quickly spiral out of control.
Many things may happen that may change your ability to support your children at the present level of support. You take your support obligation seriously, but sometimes, a Tulsa, Oklahoma child support modifications attorney can help protect you and your children.
When life changes, child support should too. Most of the time, this means filing a motion for modification of child support. Oklahoma takes the application to support your children seriously. Therefore, it does not grant a request for modification of child support unless the situation warrants it.
Bring your questions regarding your particular situation to an experienced Tulsa child support modification attorney. Your attorney can answer the questions, draft the motion, and represent you at the hearing. You want to get this one right the first time, so legal representation is important.
It is also important that you understand that your present Oklahoma child support obligations continue until the court orders differently. Therefore, if you are facing diminished resources, you must move to obtain a modification sooner rather than later. Experienced Tulsa fathers rights attorneys will understand your needs and how to best help you.
Court’s Criteria For Modification
There are four reasons that a court may order a modification, including:
- the original order does not contain an order for medical support;
- the original order was not calculated according to the state’s child support guidelines;
- there will be a 10% change in the amount of support according to child support guidelines; or
- there is a significant change of circumstances.
Most people seek a modification because of a significant change in their financial circumstances. This leaves open the question of what constitutes a significant change.
Most courts will allow a modification to an existing child support order when the financial change experienced by one or both parents will result in at least a 20% change in the child support obligation of one or both parents. Any modification must be in the child’s best interests.
Most often, this occurs because of a change in income level. However, this can also result from a significant rise in the cost of health insurance, day care, or other educational costs. Significant cost increases can leave little other money for support.
An experienced child support modifications attorney can plug the numbers into a child support calculator to see the likelihood that a court will grant a motion for modification. Likewise, your attorney will be there every step of the way to help ensure that your needs are met. While no attorney can guarantee an outcome, experienced attorneys know what judges need to see to grant modifications. This knowledge can make a real difference.
The factors that affect child support orders are complex. Courts must look at a number of factors to make decisions on child support. Because this area of the law is so complex, it is best to hire an experienced Tulsa child support attorney to answer your questions, draft the petition and represent you in court.
Low-cost Strategy Session With A Tulsa Child Support Modifications Attorney
Always make sure to work with an experienced child support modifications attorney. These obligations are with you for years. You want to do right by everyone involved. My name is Brian L. Jackson, and I am a Tulsa men’s rights attorney. I understand, and I am here to help when you need help most. Call me at 918-962-0900 or send me a message by clicking the consultation button anywhere on this site.
