While permanent child support is not an official legal term, there are child support laws that pertain to the duration a parent needs to support their child financially. Child support can be a confusing issue, which is why it is always best to turn to an experienced child support attorney with your questions. Whether you are wondering about permanent child support in Tulsa or another aspect of child support, trust LaCourse Law to answer your questions and guide you through your legal choices regarding child support.
Child support is not permanent in this state simply because children grow up and no longer require parental support after a certain age. In Oklahoma, child support typically ends either when a child reaches the age of 18 or after they graduate high school, if they turn 18 while still attending. For instance, if your child is still in high school at age 19, then the child support would end then.
There are a few exceptions to the age limit rule for child support. If both parents agree to a child support order during their child’s college years, then the court will enforce that order despite their child being older than 18. Also, if a child is physically or mentally disabled, child support could be extended past the age of 18.
If you have heard someone talk about permanent financial support for children in Tulsa, they may be referring to support lasting until the child is considered an adult.
Financial circumstances change over time, and if both parents agree that the child support order is no longer necessary, they can ask the court to modify or terminate it at any time. This requires the paying parent to file a motion with the court to terminate the support order. If the paying parent dies, then the obligation to pay child support terminates automatically. However, if there were back payments owed to the other parent, it becomes a debt against the deceased parent’s estate.
Long-term child support in Tulsa is often kept in place until children turn 18, but a child support order can be modified or terminated before then. Most terminations require filing a motion with the court, even just to terminate for the child becoming an adult. Hiring a family lawyer takes the pressure and confusion out of the process, helping you feel peace of mind knowing your lawyer is taking care of all the details.
Child support in Tulsa could also be considered permanent to some because there is no statute of limitations for child support debts in Oklahoma. If a parent owes back payments, the debt will not be canceled or declared uncollectable after a certain number of years.
Not paying child support could result in wage garnishment or a seizure of funds from the paying parent’s bank account. It could also lead to criminal charges and jail time. Even if the child grows past the age of needing child support, any debts must be paid.
Whether you are a parent facing divorce and you want to know more about child support laws, or you are a parent who owes child support payments, you can find answers to your legal questions at LaCourse Law. Schedule a consultation today. We can help you better understand permanent child support in Tulsa and other legal considerations.
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