Life Changes
It’s a common wrinkle in family law matters. Maybe you signed a child support arrangement at some point and thought things were settled. Perhaps it happened after you got divorced or when you proved who was the father.
You’ve had some changes in your life since then. You feel that you will be unable or very difficult to comply with the terms of the existing child support arrangement as a result of these modifications.
This is a common occurrence. Because of this, Oklahoma law permits you to amend your child support arrangement when appropriate changes in your circumstances warrant it.
When Can I File For a Modification?
You may submit a request for a modification if your situation changes to the point that it becomes more difficult for you to pay child support as agreed upon. Income or financial condition changes are the most popular and effective justifications for filing.
Modification requests may be made in response to court-ordered custody orders, a parent’s permanent medical impairment, shifts in the cost of daycare or other healthcare services, or the child’s loss of child support eligibility.
Modifications are occasionally permissible under new legislation. A change in circumstances must, however, coincide with a change in the legislation. In 2009, Oklahoma’s child support laws underwent significant changes.
You have to convince the court that the alteration is in the child’s best interests in order to get one. The court permits modifications for the following four reasons:
- There is no order for medical support in the current order.
- The Oklahoma Child Support Guidelines were not used to calculate the current decree.
- The parent’s or child’s situation has significantly changed.
- The estimated amount of child support that must be paid will vary by 20%.
Do I Require Legal Counsel?
Even while you can represent yourself, having legal assistance can help the process go more easily and smoothly. You are not allowed to discuss other issues like custody, visitation, or paternity if you are representing yourself. You can discuss any of those with a child support lawyer in addition to the modification.
The interests of state agencies are not yours. You can receive the individualized attention you need from an El Reno lawyer.
Filing a motion for a modification is more involved than just compiling documentation. You must have persuasiveness. You can get assistance from Wirth Law Office’s child support lawyer in creating a strong argument for your motion and drafting necessary documentation.
Your child’s other parent may oppose your request for a change. You should be ready for this. Wirth Law Office El Reno family lawyers are experienced in these kinds of cases. They are skilled in answering refutations.
Call Today for a Consultation
Speak with the knowledgeable staff at Wirth Law Office-El Reno if you’re thinking about seeking a modification in your child support. They can assist you in determining if you qualify for a modification and getting your child support modified. Call (405) 395-2900 or complete the form at the top of the page to schedule a free consultation.
