Child support is required following a separation or divorce of a couple with children to ensure both parents take fair financial responsibility for their child's upbringing. A child support lawyer is a legal professional that specializes in the laws surrounding child support. For anyone looking for a Oklahoma child support lawyer, here we share all you need to consider before appointing an attorney to work on your behalf.
Who is a Child Support Lawyer?
In the U.S. legal system, both parents are responsible for providing financial support for a child and covering basic childcare costs even if the couple separates. Child support lawyers in Oklahoma are legal professionals that specialize in this practice of family law. They are knowledgeable in the amount of support due and standards that act as a basis for determining the support payments. They can help negotiate between you and your ex-partner and ensure the agreement is aligned with your legal rights. As such, they are crucial for finding fair resolutions to child support agreement disputes to reach the best possible outcome.
What Does a Child Support Law Attorney do?
The primary role of a Oklahoma child support lawyer is to help with matters linked to child support orders. When working for the custodial parent, they are generally hired to help increase the child support payments or for legal advice on chasing overdue payments and resolving issues. On the other hand, the non-custodial parent will typically hire a Oklahoma child support attorney to learn more about their legal obligations to provide financial support or to file a modification petition to change their current child support order. Your attorney can help both parties prepare for any court hearings to allow for the best resolution.
When to Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Oklahoma?
Anyone that has gone through a legal separation or divorce which involves one child or multiple children should consider hiring a child support attorney in Oklahoma. Even if the separation is amicable, a lawyer can decide upon a fair child support order based on the combined income of both parents and their legal rights. However, many ex-couples may prefer to come to this agreement alone without help from a legal professional. With that being said, there are some cases where hiring a Oklahoma child support lawyer is highly recommended:
- The separation is extremely complex: In complicated divorces or separations where there is hostility between the parents and many terms of the separation cannot be agreed upon, a child support lawyer is of huge benefit.
- One partner has already hired a Oklahoma child support lawyer: If your partner has appointed a child support attorney of their own, it is beneficial for you to do the same so they can guide you through the usual court proceedings. This ensures that negotiations are fair.
- Current child support orders need to be changed: Circumstances can change after agreeing upon a child support order, such as taking a loss of income. In these cases, a child support lawyer in Oklahoma can help a judge to understand the change request.
How Do I Choose a Child Support Lawyer in Oklahoma
There are many Oklahoma child support law attorneys to choose from. However, you need to do some research before appointing a lawyer to take your case. Below are some of our top tips on ensuring you are working with a reputable attorney:
- Only work with a Oklahoma child support lawyer who has multiple good reviews or comes recommended by a friend or family member.
- Always choose an attorney that worked on cases similar to yours in the past with a good record of success.
- Always discuss costing upfront at your initial consultation and work with a law firm that fits within your price range.
What is the Average Child Support Lawyers' Cost in Oklahoma?
The cost of a Oklahoma child support lawyer varies hugely between law firms depending on the experience and specialisms of their employees. Budget options start from around $100 per hour, whereas luxury firms with high success rates can charge upwards of $500 per hour. Additionally, the complexity of your case will drastically impact costs. Most law firms work using hourly rates, so whereas a simple case may cost as little as $2,500, contested cases that go through the courts could be upwards of $25,000.
Do Child Support Attorneys Usually Charge for Consultations?
Most child support lawyers will charge for initial consultations. This is commonly a fixed fee, but some will charge a prorated amount based on their standard hourly fees. In other cases, some law firms may offer free consultations during which both of you can determine whether you think you'll be a good fit together. Every legal practice has its own policies and procedures in place, so check with the child support attorneys in Oklahoma when booking your consultation.
