When Can I Request Child Support?

The financial aftermath of a divorce is often hectic as people try to restart their lives. Some people are better off than others but those with less financial resources may need all the support they can obtain. You might be able to file for child support if you are raising your child while under financial stress. Talk to an Oklahoma divorce lawyer to find out.

When You Can Request Child Support

You can file a request for child support when you are the custodial parent of your child. Being a custodial parent means the court awarded you full custody of your child. Not only does this mean you are raising your child, but this also means you have control over your child’s legal decisions.

Do not panic if you did not do this before or during the divorce. You can still request child support after the divorce has been finalized. In some cases, you may not even need to have a child custody order. This varies from case to case and depends on the context of your situation.

Establishing paternity may play a role in whether you can receive child support. Consider contacting an Oklahoma City divorce lawyer to find out more about this. A lawyer can help you figure out what your legal options are given your unique situation.

How is Child Support Decided?

When it comes to how judges decide child support, this involves several factors. For one, you must be divorced and living apart from your ex-spouse. You must also be raising or caring for your child in some way. Lastly, your child must be under the age of 18 for you to be paid child support.

Deciding whether you need child support and how much you should be paid depends on a variety of parental and child factors. Some of these factors include:

• Your child’s health needs
• Your child’s education needs
• Any special needs for disabilities or chronic medical conditions
• You and your ex-spouse’s financial resources
• The standard of living before the divorce

Your net worth will be considered to help determine how much child support you need. Remember that the primary goal of child support is to help you pay for your child’s basic needs. If you already have sufficient financial resources to do this, then you may not be awarded child support.

The court may order your ex-spouse to help pay for your child’s medical and education expenses only. Other orders may simply take out a percentage of your ex-spouse’s income. Many ex-spouses do not like paying child support. Talk with a lawyer if you have concerns about this or if this has happened to you.

Divorce Lawyer in Oklahoma City

Being unsure about taking your child out of state can be scary. Feel free to ask an Oklahoma family attorney about what your legal options are. Call the Putnam Law Office by dialing (405)-849-9149 for a consultation today. We might be able to help you achieve the goals you have in mind for your divorce. Mr. Putnam is an experienced lawyer in Oklahoma City, OK who is prepared to defend your case.