Oklahoma Child Support

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Oklahoma child support has actually been implemented as direct result of Federal Law. The Federal Government utilized studies to assess the support level available to children in intact families and then mandated that state support laws continue that support level for children in families with divorced or separated parents. Any state that does not comply loses Federal funding.

In Oklahoma, both parents are expected to contribute to the support of their children. The parent awarded custody of the child must provide for the education and support of the child to the best of their abilities. The courts may order a portion of the non-custodial parent’s property to be set aside for the custodial parent to use for the child. The courts will consider the income and means, the property and assets of each parent.

Oklahoma child support is based upon official guidelines. These guidelines will assist the Court in determining the amount of support that should be provided for a child or children. In Oklahoma, the child support guidelines are based upon the number of children. Depending on the number of children entitled to receive support, a parent will have to pay a certain percentage of their annual income as and for Oklahoma child support. It is not uncommon for parents to agree on the amount of child support. If they can not the court will use the guidelines in determining the amount.

The amount of support that is calculated under the guidelines is presumed correct unless it is shown to be unjust, unreasonable, inappropriate, or inequitable. A Court may consider certain factors while determining the appropriate amount of support. These factors include the income and means of the parents along with their property and assets. The parent awarded child custody must provide for the education and support of the child to the best of his or her ability. If such child support is inadequate, the non-custodial parent must assist in the support to the best of his or her ability.

In Oklahoma, child support may be awarded even if the parents were never married. Before issuing a temporary order of child support, the Oklahoma court must make an award of temporary custody. In addition to basic child support (the amount of child support determined under the Oklahoma child support guidelines), the Court can direct the parties to contribute to the cost of the child’s health insurance. It is not always the non-custodial parent that is responsible. Presently the court looks to the parent with the best plan at the lowest rate.

Once an Oklahoma child support order has been issued, it is subject to enforcement. Courts are becoming increasingly aggressive in seeking to collect unpaid child support. Wage assignment programs have been established which immediately deduct support payments from the support payor’s paycheck. This mechanism of collecting support not only aids in the enforcement of existing Oklahoma child support orders, but serves as a convenience to both support payors and recipients.

Oklahoma child support orders, once issued, are subject to future modification. To obtain a modification, either parent must file a request with the Court and establish that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred.

Oklahoma support terminates at age 18, or until the child completes high school, whichever occurs last. Oklahoma child support will terminate earlier if the child marries.