Oklahoma City Child Support Lawyer

When a child is tied to a divorce or custody case, the courts have an interest in ensuring that the child has the resources needed to meet basic needs. Whether you are seeking support payments or fighting them, having strong legal representation can greatly improve the chances that you achieve your goals in court. An Oklahoma City child support lawyer can guide you through the child support process with clarity and confidence.

Legal Representation When It Matters Most

At Bundy Law, we approach child support cases with the same core principles that define our practice: strategic counsel, unwavering discretion, and exceptional client service. Whether you are seeking fair support payments or facing an unreasonable demand, we prepare every case with the precision and foresight to secure a favorable outcome

We prioritize your privacy and understand the sensitive nature of financial matters. Our team handles each case with discretion by ensuring your information remains protected. When you partner with Bundy Law, you gain a dedicated legal team that takes your goals seriously and builds a strong case to support your child’s well-being.

Understanding Child Support in Oklahoma City

Understanding child support in Oklahoma City requires knowledge of both legal trends and family dynamics. In fiscal year 2024, Oklahoma’s Child Support Services collected over $303 million and established paternity in 82% of open cases.

With a divorce rate of approximately 3.7 per 1,000 people in 2022, according to the CDC, custody disputes are a common part of family law. Custody cases are typically heard at the Oklahoma County District Court, located at 321 Park Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

This courthouse handles a wide range of family law matters, including custody, support, and visitation. The court is equipped to evaluate each parent’s role, the child’s best interests, and any necessary modifications to existing orders.

Why the Courts Set Child Support

When a divorce involves children or a father seeks custody for the first time, the courts have an interest in ensuring that the child receives the financial support they need to cover basic necessities. Child support does not perfectly balance the cost of child-rearing, but it can more evenly spread the financial burden between both parents.

When one parent is the primary caretaker, they often take on significant expenses and require support from the other parent. Although child support payments are set by court orders, they can be modified. As life changes occur, the order should reflect the current realities of you and your child’s life situation.

How Child Support Is Calculated

Oklahoma uses an income shares model to calculate child support, which means both parents’ incomes are considered when determining the total amount owed. The court estimates what the parents would have spent on the child if they were still together and divides that amount proportionally.

The parent with less parenting time typically makes payments to the parent with primary custody. Factors like daycare costs, health insurance, and special needs may increase the support amount.

While the state provides a guideline worksheet, judges have the discretion to adjust the final amount based on specific circumstances and to avoid circumstances that could make the standard calculation unfair or unreasonable. Having an attorney present during the process can ensure that child support is calculated accurately.

Is Child Support Always Ordered in a Custody Case?

Child support is not automatically ordered in every child custody case, but it is common when one parent is designated as the primary custodian. Even when the order involves something closer to shared custody, there may still be some level of child support ordered.

Courts have a strong interest in ensuring children receive adequate financial support to cover basic needs like housing, food, education, and healthcare. If both parents share equal time and income, support may be minimal or waived entirely. The final decision is left to the judge.

If there is a significant difference in income or parenting time, the court is likely to order support to balance the financial responsibility. Even in agreed-upon custody arrangements, the court may still require a formal child support order to protect the child’s well-being.

Enforcing Child Support

As with other types of court orders, child support is enforceable. When one parent fails to make regular payments, the courts may become involved. This is known as an enforcement action, and it is filed by the party that is owed arrears. The respondent must be notified of the enforcement action and allowed to respond.

Once a hearing is set, both parties are expected to appear. They may be represented by attorneys. After submitting evidence and making oral arguments, the judge typically makes a ruling based on the law and evidence presented. The respondent may be ordered to pay the arrears at that time. In some cases, they may face jail time for failing to pay their obligations.

Modifying Child Support

There are situations where modifying a child support order is reasonable and justified. The courts require the petitioner to demonstrate that a substantial and material change has occurred in the circumstances of at least one party before a modification will be considered.

Common reasons for modification include job loss, a significant increase or decrease in income, changes in the child’s medical or educational needs, or a shift in custody or parenting time. Oklahoma courts may review the existing order and recalculate support based on updated financial information and current custody arrangements. Once approved, the new order replaces the prior one and is enforceable moving forward.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Whether your child is preparing to start school at Adams Elementary School, Cleveland Elementary School, or Western Gateway Elementary School, legal representation matters. If you are seeking support, an attorney can ensure that the other parent pays their fair share. If you have concerns about being ordered to pay more than your fair share, an attorney can help by showing the court accurate financial information.

If you need to modify or enforce a child support payment, a lawyer can represent you through that process so you can achieve your goals in court. Whatever your goals, having legal representation can make the difference between an unfavorable outcome for your case and an outcome that meets your family’s needs.

FAQs

Is A Lawyer Worth It for Child Support?

A lawyer may be helpful in child support cases involving disputes, enforcement, or modification. If one parent is withholding payment, reporting inaccurate income, or failing to follow the order, legal representation may be necessary. An attorney can help present accurate financial records, clarify obligations, and request changes when needed. Support issues can affect your finances and parenting arrangement for years.

How Much Back Child Support Is a Felony in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, failing to pay child support can become a felony if the unpaid amount exceeds $5,000 or the nonpayment continues for more than a year. Felony charges may result in criminal penalties, including jail time. Enforcement actions can also include wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt of court. Staying current or seeking modification is critical to avoid legal consequences.

What Is the Minimum Child Support Amount in Oklahoma?

The minimum child support amount in Oklahoma is based on income, custody arrangements, and the number of children. Courts use a standardized guideline worksheet to calculate the appropriate amount. Even unemployed parents are expected to pay something unless proven otherwise. If circumstances change, a parent may request a modification. Support amounts aim to meet the basic needs of the child.

Can Child Support Be Modified in Oklahoma?

Yes. Child support can be modified if there is a significant change in income, custody, or healthcare needs. Either parent may request a review, but they must provide updated financial information and explain what changed. The court will review the facts to determine whether to adjust the order. Promptly requesting modification is important if the current amount is no longer fair.

What Happens if a Parent Refuses to Pay Child Support?

If a parent refuses to pay child support in Oklahoma, enforcement actions may include wage garnishment, bank levies, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, or contempt of court. Continued nonpayment can lead to felony charges under state or federal law. Courts take non-compliance seriously, and parents should act quickly if they are unable to pay or enforcement is needed.

At Bundy Law, We Are Here for You When Your Family Needs a Solution

Anytime you go to family court, the quality and experience of your legal representation matter. At Bundy Law, our team of career family law attorneys brings many years of experience to your service. Our accomplished trial lawyers are skilled and experienced in all aspects of family law, including child support and enforcement matters.

Our team of career family law attorneys in Oklahoma City understands what it takes to help our clients achieve favorable outcomes in family court, and we are ready to deliver exceptional legal services focused on protecting your rights. Contact our Oklahoma City office today to schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our team.