Child Support Helping Oregon Families Through Their Toughest Times

Portland Child Support Lawyers

Helping Oregon Families Create Fair Child Support Arrangements

In a divorce or when paternity is established, child support may need to be addressed. This is an amount of money paid by one parent to another to provide for the support and care of a shared child or children. Support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, although support is also paid in shared custody arrangements if there is an income disparity between parents or if the child or children spend more time living with one parent than the other.

Because we handle all aspects of family law and divorce, you can count on our ability to properly handle your child support matter. If you have questions about child support or need help enforcing or modifying an existing support arrangement, Levine Law Center can offer experienced guidance.

Our Portland child support attorneys can help by:

Protecting your interests by properly presenting your financial situation
Initiating enforcement proceedings
Pursuing a modification of support
Representing you in any applicable hearings or court proceedings

Begin discussing your child support case with our knowledgeable Portland child support attorneys by contacting us online or calling (503) 433-8340 today.

How is Child Support Determined in Oregon?

The foundation for determining child support obligations can be found in Oregon Child Support Guidelines, including an online calculator that can provide an estimate of what support you may be entitled to receive or required to pay.

Child support will be determined based on:

Each parent’s income
Any spousal support received or paid by each parent
Any union dues paid by each parent
The number of children
How much time (specifically overnight stays) the child/children spend with each parent
Any child care costs that apply for disabled children or children under the age of 13
Any Social Security or other benefits a child receives
Any other children each parent has living with him/her
Healthcare coverage costs for each parent and the child/children

Is Child Support Mandatory in Oregon?

Yes, child support is mandatory in Oregon if you have a support order. Typically, orders are obtained through a divorce or custody case; however, you can also seek a support order through the Division of Child Support (DCS) as well. In most cases, paying support is mandatory until the child is 18 years old, but under certain circumstances the paying parent may be required to continue payment until the child is 21.

What Does Child Support Cover in Oregon?

Child support in Oregon is intended to cover the child’s basic necessities, including:

Food
Medical coverage
Child care
Education
Clothing and shoes

How Long Does Child Support Last?

Child support obligations generally continue until the child reaches the age of 18 in Oregon. However, there are important exceptions that could extend or modify this timeline. If the child is still in high school when they turn 18, child support may continue until they graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first. Additionally, if a child has special needs or is unable to support themselves due to physical or mental disabilities, child support can be extended indefinitely, depending on the circumstances.

In some cases, child support can be terminated earlier if the child becomes emancipated before reaching the age of majority. Emancipation may occur if a child marries, joins the military, or becomes financially independent, although this process must typically be approved by a court.

It is important for both parents to understand that a child support order is a legal obligation, and failing to comply with the terms of the order can result in serious consequences, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and other enforcement actions. Parents who wish to modify or terminate their child support obligations before the standard end date must petition the court for a modification. The court will assess whether the circumstances justify a change in the support arrangement.

Navigating child support matters can be complex, and it is essential to ensure that all legal requirements are met. An experienced attorney can help clarify your rights and responsibilities regarding child support and provide guidance on how to seek modifications if necessary.

How Can I Enforce a Child Support Order?

If child support goes unpaid, parents can take several legal steps to enforce the order.

The first step is determining if you want to pursue legal action with a private attorney or through the Oregon Department of Justice Division of Child Support. Every case is different, but hiring a private attorney means you’ll get to work more closely with them as the case progresses.

Some common forms of enforcement include:

Wage withholding
- For those who wish to withhold wages, they can ask for payments to be taken straight out of the payor's paychecks. If the payor owes back child support, then the normal amount of wages taken equal 120% of the original support order. For example, if $100 was owed originally, then $120 can be taken out. This remains in effect only until the back child support is fully paid off.
Drivers’ license suspension

Personalized Legal Solutions for Your Unique Situation

At Levine Law Center LLC, we understand that every legal case is unique and requires personalized attention. Our team of experienced Portland child support attorneys is dedicated to providing tailored legal solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients. No matter how complex the family law matter, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the legal process.

Our approach to legal representation includes:

Thorough case evaluation to understand your individual circumstances
Customized legal strategies to achieve your desired outcome
Clear and open communication to keep you informed every step of the way
Compassionate and supportive guidance during challenging times

When you choose Levine Law Center LLC, you can trust that your case will receive the attention and care it deserves. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our Portland child support can help with your legal needs.

Call Our Experienced Portland Child Support Lawyer Now

The determination of child support will directly impact your finances and your child’s well-being. Make sure your interests are properly represented by a skilled team of Portland, OR child support attorneys. Levine Law Center stands ready to handle your child support matter to the fullest extent of our abilities, and we can provide the one-on-one support and guidance you deserve every step of the way.

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