Steps for Modifying Child Support in Oklahoma

After a divorce, paying for child support you can no longer afford is not an option for many people when financial circumstances change. Some parents unexpectedly lose their job, change jobs, or find themselves in a financial bind. When this happens, paying the same amount of child support each month can be close to impossible. The good news is you have the option to modify child support as long as your justification is valid. Try talking with an Oklahoma Divorce Lawyer if you have questions about this process. 

Having Adequate Justification

To convince a judge to modify your child support court order, you will need to have adequate justification for the modification. In legal terms, this is called a significant change in circumstances. Some common significant changes in circumstances recognized by family courts include child custody changes, a medical insurance change, a significant change in income, an acquired medical disability, and whenever the child is no longer eligible for child support.

For example, a parent would no longer be eligible for child support if the child reaches the age of consent or passes away. Changes to medical insurance, like less insurance coverage for medical bills or increased insurance payments, can warrant a modification of child support. A significant change in income means a parent paying child support can no longer afford child support. This can also mean the parent receiving child support was laid off and needs additional financial support to care for the child. 

A medical disability can mean acquired blindness, deafness, an amputation, a severe stroke, a traumatic brain injury, or a neurodegenerative brain disorder. If any of these impairs a person’s ability to work, this may justify a modification. 

Filing all the Paperwork

In Oklahoma, there are certain steps for modifying child support you will need to take to make this change a reality. When you and your ex-spouse agree on the modification, you can both sign a standard agreed order form. This form should be submitted to your district or administrative court along with the child support guideline calculation and financial affidavit forms. Be sure to follow all the instructions and fill out all the information to the best of your ability.

A hearing will be set in the event that your standard agreed order form does not follow Oklahoma child support guidelines. Hearings will also be scheduled if a parent does not agree to the proposed order or cooperate with this process. Parents may be referred to a mediator first, but if there is still disagreement, a hearing will be necessary. Part of this process involves disclosing all of your financial assets to the court so an objective decision can be made. 

Divorce Lawyer in Oklahoma

Trying to modify a child support court order is not always easy, especially when others are working against you. Consider hiring an experienced Oklahoma Family Lawyer if you have encountered obstacles to modifying a child support order or have questions about calculating child support costs. You can call the Putnam Law Office at (405)-849-9149 for a consultation today. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City, OK attorney who is dedicated to his clients.