TERMINATION OR MODIFICATION
OF CHILD SUPPORT

According to a 2017 Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support report from the U.S. Census Bureau, only 69.8% of custodial parents who were supposed to receive child support in 2017 received even a portion of those payments. During a legal separation or divorce, child support arrangements are often established by the divorcing parents to make sure that their children are properly catered for. Changes in circumstances to either parent may bring about the need to review or change an existing child support agreement.

At Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I have the experience and resources to assist clients in family law matters, including divorce and child support modifications. As an experienced Oklahoma family law attorney, I'm available to discuss your circumstances and explore your possible legal options. Whether you're trying to modify, enforce, or terminate an existing child support order, I can offer you the knowledgeable guidance and advocacy you need to make important decisions.

My firm — Wilson Law Firm PLLC — proudly serves clients across Shawnee, Norman, Okemah, Ada, and Chandler, Oklahoma.

Eligibility to Modify Child Support Arrangements

In Oklahoma, there are specific guidelines that govern how child support arrangements are established. This is to ensure that the support agreement is reasonable and fair. The court may, however, change or modify a child support order when there is a material change in circumstances. Some reasons to modify a child support arrangement include:

• Changes in the financial situation of the parent

• An increase or decrease in income

• One parent having a new baby

• Remarriage

• Changes in the custody agreement

• Involuntary loss of job

• A parent relocating

• New expenses for the child

• The child becoming disabled or needing additional dental or medical care

• The child requiring additional job training, education, or other special needs

• New family responsibilities for the parent

• The death of the paying parent

Oklahoma's Definition of "Significant Change"

According to Oklahoma Statutes Section 43-118I (A), child support orders may be modified upon a material change in circumstances that includes, but is not limited to:

• An increase or decrease in the needs of the child

• An increase or decrease in the income of the parents

• Changes in actual annualized child care expenses

• Changes in the cost of medical or dental insurance

• When one of the children in the child support order becomes an adult or otherwise ceases to be entitled to support pursuant to the support order

Imputed Income

Under specific situations, the Oklahoma court may "impute" income to a parent if the parent is deliberately and voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. The following factors may be considered to determine whether to impute income:

• The past and present employment history of the parent

• The parent's education, training, and ability to work

• The lifestyle or living standard of the parent

• Any additional relevant factors under the circumstances of the case

How Remarriage Affects Support

Remarriage alone does not directly affect child support arrangements, but factors related to remarriage may bring about a material change in circumstances that might impact child support, including:

• Changes in income

• New household expenses

• Changes in child custody arrangements or visitation schedules

• A new spouse adopting the child

Terminating Child Support

In the state of Oklahoma, all children are eligible to receive financial support from their parents until they turn 18 years years of age, but if the child is still in high school when they turn 18, child support is paid until they graduate or turns 19 years of age, whichever happens first.

Let a Skilled Family Law Attorney Help

Child support arrangements in Oklahoma can be complex. A change in circumstances since the existing child support decree was established may create the need to review or modify your child support payments. Consulting with an experienced Oklahoma family law attorney is important to protect your rights.

At Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I've dedicated my career to providing outstanding legal services and handling family law, divorce, child support, and custody cases. Using my extensive experience, I can work with you on different aspects of your child support arrangement process, including review, modification, enforcement, or termination. As your legal counsel, I will work diligently with both parties to negotiate a feasible payment and seek an acceptable resolution. I will continue fighting for your legal rights and your family's best interests.

Contact my firm — Wilson Law Firm PLLC — to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a knowledgeable child support lawyer. I can offer you the detailed legal counsel and reliable advocacy you need throughout the entire child support modification process. My firm proudly serves clients across Shawnee, Norman, Okemah, Ada, and Chandler, Oklahoma.