Portland Child Support Lawyer

Getting a Fair Child Support Order in Oregon

Child support may be necessary if you are facing a divorce or a legal separation, if you already are divorced or separated, or if you are a single parent trying to raise your child. In order to ensure that you receive fair support or that you are not required to pay more than the child requires, you will need a seasoned Portland divorce attorney by your side.

McKinley Irvin is a trusted divorce firm serving Portland and all of Oregon. We are also licensed to practice in Washington State and can assist you with child support issues in either jurisdiction.

Oregon Child Support Guidelines

Every state has its own guidelines for calculating the amount of child support that is necessary in each individual case. No two cases are the same, because each parent's incomes are different, as are their living expenses and the needs of each child. Child support in Oregon is calculated according to the process defined in Oregon Administrative Rules 137-050-0710.

The factors that go into the calculation of child support include, but are not limited to the following:

• Each parent's gross monthly income
• Each parent's mandatory union due
• Child care costs
• Non-joint children of either parent
• Each parent's parenting time credit
• Social Security or veterans benefits
• The parent's out-of-pocket health insurance costs for the child and for the parent providing insurance for the child

Contact a Portland Divorce Attorney for your Child Support Matter

Finding the right family law attorney to represent you in a child support case is vital. You need an attorney who will take the time to hear you out and understand the details of your case. McKinley Irvin family law attorneys create a strong and personalized strategy to get the outcome that you need. We are highly experienced in Oregon's child support guidelines and laws and can help you achieve successful results.

Please contact us if you would like to request a consultation and learn more.

When Can I Modify Child Support In Oregon?

Parents who pay or receive child support in Oregon can petition for a child support modification if a change in circumstances has altered the child’s needs or a parent’s ability to pay. Both parents must consent to a modification, which means that they must agree to the amount of support they are each responsible for paying.

There are several factors that can warrant a child support modification, including:

• Changes in residential schedule
• Changes in income
• Changes in physical custody of the child
• The age of the child(ren)
• The number of children involved
• Changes in the needs of the child, e.g. a child wishes to attend college after completing high school

Our Portland attorneys have extensive experience representing parents seeking child support modifications. We are adept at handling even the most complex cases, such as those involving difficult to calculate income and out-of-state or foreign support orders.

Importance Of Hiring An Attorney For Support Modifications

While many individuals attempt to resolve child support matters on their own through verbal agreements, it must be remembered that these agreements are not legally binding and there is no way to prove them. That is why it is very important for parents to seek the help of an attorney when they are pursuing a support modification. Our attorneys can help you fill out the proper forms through the Oregon Department of Justice’s Oregon Child Support Program, and ensure that your request for a child support modification goes through the proper channels and is enforceable by the court.

Enforcement of Child Support in Portland

If you are seeking to establish or enforce a child support order, or have been served with a child support action from an individual or the state, you will benefit from the counsel of a seasoned Portland divorce lawyer at McKinley Irvin.

Whether you are an individual seeking back child support judgments or are defending against these actions, our team has extensive litigation and negotiation experience in these matters. We can offer you the effective representation you need to pursue the best outcome possible. Our team also has experience with cases brought through the Department of Child Support or by the state of Oregon through the prosecutor’s office.

What are the Penalties for Failing to Pay Child Support?

Parents who have failed to pay the full amount of child support they owe each month may be subject to a number of penalties, including:

• Wage garnishment
• Seizure of bank accounts
• Liens on real or personal property
• Restriction or revocation of passports and driver’s licenses
• Interception of tax refunds, lottery winnings, or inheritances
• Reporting of the delinquent parent to credit agencies

In addition, a judge may deem that the delinquent parent is in contempt of court and may subject them to further fines and/or jail time.

Enforcing Child Support Judgments from Other States and Countries

Every U.S. state has adopted the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which provides the latitude to enforce child support judgments made in other states or outside of the country. This act also provides courts with the ability to impose new judgment for any child support that has not been paid. The attorneys at McKinley Irvin are prepared to assist you with your case involving support arrangements enacted outside of Oregon.

Our Attorneys Put Your Family’s Best Interests First

Family law matters can be an emotionally difficult issue when children are involved. At McKinley Irvin, we understand how important it is to make sure that your children are healthy, happy, and provided for, which is why we work hard to ensure that your support payments reflect your current financial situation. Whether you have lost your job, are dealing with a costly illness, or are experiencing some other change in circumstances, our firm is here to help resolve your child support matter in a way that best fits your family’s situation.

To learn more about how a Portland divorce attorney at McKinley Irvin can assist with your modification case, please contact us. We can connect you with the attorney best suited to assist your unique case.