Unpaid Child Support in Oklahoma is serious but is not related to visitation and custody. When you’re dealing with child support and child visitation in Oklahoma, it might seem like these two issues are tightly connected. However, under the law, they are treated as separate matters. This means that even if there are issues with one, it shouldn’t directly affect the other.
Understanding Child Support in Oklahoma
Child support is a payment that one parent makes to the other to help cover the costs associated with raising a child. This financial support is crucial for covering everything from basic needs to expenses related to schooling and healthcare. In Oklahoma, the amount of child support a parent owes is primarily calculated based on each parent’s income. It also looks at the amount of time they spend with the child.
Oklahoma uses specific guidelines to figure out this payment. The process starts by looking at the combined income of both parents and then determines the proportion each parent contributes. There are also considerations for health insurance, childcare costs, and any special needs of the child. It’s important for you to provide accurate financial information so the calculation reflects the true needs of your child.
Understanding Child Visitation in Oklahoma
Child visitation, also known as parenting time, is the schedule that determines when the child will spend time with each parent. The main goal of visitation schedules is to ensure that the child maintains a strong relationship with both parents. Oklahoma courts encourage parents to work together to create a visitation schedule that works best for their child. If parents can’t agree, the court will step in and set a schedule based on the child’s best interests. Factors that might influence visitation include each parent’s work schedule, the child’s school schedule, and other logistics like transportation. The focus is always on what will serve the child’s needs and support their wellbeing.
Are They Connected?
Legally, unpaid child support and child visitation are considered independent issues. This means that if one parent fails to pay child support, it doesn’t allow the other parent to withhold visitation. Oklahoma law is clear that both parents have an obligation to support their child financially and emotionally, regardless of their personal conflicts.
If you are facing challenges with child support payments, you might feel tempted to think this could impact your visitation rights. This is false because these two aspects do not influence each other directly in the eyes of the law. It’s important to comply with the visitation schedule and seek legal remedies through the court.
Handling Non-Compliance
If a parent has unpaid child support, the appropriate action isn’t to stop visitation. Instead, you should report this issue to the Oklahoma Child Support Services (OCSS). They have tools to enforce payment, such as garnishing wages or intercepting tax refunds. For issues with a parent not following the visitation schedule, you might need to go back to court to have the order enforced or modified. It’s critical to handle these issues through legal channels rather than taking matters into your own hands. This helps protect your rights and ensures that your child’s interests are kept at the forefront.
Seeking Modifications
Circumstances can change, and the arrangements made at the time of your child support or visitation order might not work forever. If significant changes in your life or that of your ex-partner affect your ability to pay child support or stick to a visitation schedule, you might qualify for a modification of the original orders. Modifications can be requested for a variety of reasons, such as a significant change in income, a move, or changes in the child’s needs. To adjust child support or visitation, you must show that the changes are substantial. It’s important to file a formal request with the court and provide evidence to support your claims.
Tulsa Family Law Attorneys You Can Count On
While unpaid child support and child visitation are linked by their common focus on the child’s wellbeing, they are treated as separately. Understanding this distinction helps you manage your expectations and responsibilities as a parent. Always remember that both types of obligations are vital for your child’s development. There are other legal options are available if enforcement is needed. A Tulsa family law lawyer can guide you through child support and visitation. This guidance helps ensure you understand your rights and next steps. For a consultation, contact Tulsa Divorce Attorneys & Associates by calling (539) 302-0303 or contacting us online.