Stress of Oklahoma Back-to-School Season Could Lead to Child Support Issues

The Oklahoma back-to-school season can signify new beginnings and the rekindling of relationships with friends, teachers and administrators. Unfortunately, getting your child ready for Oklahoma back-to-school season can bring about stress and financial anxiety for parents much of it having to deal with child support issues and modifications.

Fry & Elder’s team of family law attorneys provide a scenario where the stress back-to-school season in Oklahoma might lead to child support issues based on a realistic synopsis of how back-to-school season expenses might lead to a disagreement. 

Meet Jane and Mark, divorced parents of 10-year-old Emily, live in Tulsa. Mark has primary custody, while Jane has visitation rights. Mark receives monthly child support from Jane based on Oklahoma’s child support guidelines, which cover Emily’s basic needs, including housing, food, and clothing. However, the original child support order does not specifically address school-related expenses.

The Pending Issue and The Stress of Oklahoma Back-to-School Season

As the new school year approaches, Mark informs Jane that Emily needs new school uniforms, supplies, and a laptop for school. The estimated cost for these items is around $800. Mark assumes Jane will contribute half of this amount, as the expense is significant. However, Jane argues that her child support payments should already cover these expenses and that she cannot afford to pay extra. She believes that the funds she provides should be sufficient to cover all necessary costs, including school-related expenses.

Complications that Could Arise:

• Financial Strain: Jane has recently experienced financial difficulties and is unable to contribute additional money. She feels that the monthly child support should already be covering these kinds of expenses.
• Legal Gray Area: The original child support order did not specify how back-to-school expenses should be handled, leaving it open to interpretation.
• Communication Breakdown: Mark and Jane’s communication has been strained since their divorce, making it difficult to come to an agreement amicably.

Possible Outcomes:

1. Negotiation and Agreement: Mark and Jane could try to negotiate and reach a mutual agreement outside of court. For instance, they might agree to split the cost, with Jane paying what she can afford and Mark covering the rest, understanding that this is in Emily’s best interest.
2. Court Modification Request: If they cannot agree, Mark might decide to file a request with the court to modify the child support order to explicitly include school-related expenses. He would need to demonstrate that these expenses represent a significant change in circumstances and that a modification is necessary to meet Emily’s needs.
3. Mediation: To avoid court, they could agree to mediation, where a neutral third party helps them come to an agreement on how to share the costs.
4. Court Decision: If the matter goes to court, a judge will consider factors like the necessity of the expenses, both parents’ financial situations, and Emily’s needs. The court might order Jane to contribute more or might decide that Mark must cover these costs without additional support.

Potential Resolution for Both Parties Involved:

If the court agrees with Mark, the child support order might be modified to include a provision for school-related expenses, ensuring that such issues are clearer in the future. Alternatively, if the court sides with Jane, Mark might have to cover the costs himself or find another way to manage the expense.

This scenario highlights how back-to-school expenses, when not clearly defined in a child support order, can lead to disputes. It underscores the importance of clear communication and, when necessary, legal guidance to ensure that the child’s needs are met without unnecessary conflict.

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

When it comes to family law in Tulsa and Oklahoma, it is hard for any firm to match Fry & Elder’s history and accomplishments in divorce, child custody and child support issues that might surface, including the stress of Oklahoma Back-to-School Season.

For nearly 100 years, Fry & Elder has embodied Oklahoma family law excellence since first opening its doors in 1932. The firm features an elite team of experienced attorneys more than well versed and knowledgeable in all family law issues including cryptocurrency. The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a past president of the Oklahoma Chapter and has been named to the esteemed The Best Lawyers in America®directory for 15 consecutive years.

Firm attorneys Simon Harwood, James Morton, Preston Bennett, Brian Jackson, Grayson Glover, and Mortazavi are also well versed in how to navigate the complexities that come with navigating the ins and outs of child support issues and modification, particularly when the stress of back-to-school season kicks in.

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Tulsa child support attorney well-versed in dealing with the Stress of Oklahoma Back-to-School Season.