CHILD SUPPORT

Your Trusted Partner in Child Support Legal Services

When you file for divorce, a paternity action, or other legal matter regarding children, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that children receive the necessary support in their households. To fulfill this objective, the Oklahoma Courts may order child support to help pay for food, housing, clothing, education, transportation, and medical needs.

How is child support established?

The first step to establishing a child support amount is filing a petition or motion in administrative or district court. Judges in the state of Oklahoma are required to ensure that child support and medical support are addressed in cases that involve children.

The amount of child support you receive is calculated using the Oklahoma Child Support Guidelines. The child support computation form is the legal document used to calculate the child support obligation for a noncustodial parent (obligor) as required pursuant to Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

How is the child support amount determined?

The child support guidelines consider the incomes and earning abilities of both the custodial and noncustodial parents to determine the amount of child support that will be due monthly. The child support guidelines can also include health care costs and daycare costs to establish the total amount due by a parent.

Children are entitled to support from both parents. The amount of time spent with each parent will be considered when determining the child support amount. If a parent has the child or children for more than 121 overnights, the overall child support due may be lowered.

It is important to note that the child support amount in the child support guidelines is presumed to be correct. The child support form can be used to estimate the amount of child support you may receive.

Can child support be modified?

Child support can be modified in the future if there is evidence of a change in circumstances. If there are changes in any relevant factors such as the parties' incomes, daycare costs, a child reaching the age of majority, or medical expenses of the child or children, the child support amount can be adjusted.

It is essential to navigate these changes through the appropriate legal channels to ensure that child support continues to meet the evolving needs of the children involved. It is crucial to file a request with the court to modify child support as soon as there has been a change in circumstances, and any modification will be effective as of the date of filing.

How will I collect child support?

After a child support order has been approved and entered by the judge, usually an income assignment will be sent to the employer of the individual paying child support. This income assignment ensures that child support amounts are deducted directly from the individual's paycheck, making it easier to enforce the child support order.

However, it is important to note that parties can agree not to apply for an income assignment in certain circumstances, perhaps due to unique financial arrangements or alternative agreements between the parties involved.

What if a parent fails to pay child support?

If an individual fails to pay child support, there are various enforcement remedies available. One such remedy is filing a contempt citation against the non-paying parent, which holds the non-compliant party accountable for their actions. An individual found guilty of contempt can face serious consequences, including up to six (6) months in jail, fines, and an order to pay attorney fees. These measures are in place to ensure that child support obligations are taken seriously and that the best interests of the child are protected.

When does child support terminate?

In the State of Oklahoma, child support shall continue until the age of eighteen (18). If a minor child is still enrolled in high school after the age of eighteen, child support will continue until the child graduates from high school or reaches the age of twenty (20), whichever occurs first.

In most instances, child support will terminate automatically once the child reaches the age of majority. However, it may be necessary to follow up with the State or with the non-custodial parent’s employer to stop the monthly withdrawal of funds for child support.

Contact Us Today

We understand the importance of efficiently and effectively resolving all issues surrounding establishing child support, and we will work directly with you to achieve the optimal outcome. Having worked on these and other related issues for almost 18 years, we at Gower Law Offices have extensive experience in navigating child support matters.