In Oklahoma, every case that involves children, whether it is a divorce, paternity, or modification involves the issue of child support. Child support is the amount of money one parent pays the other for the financial support of the children. It is a big issue in most cases, and it can have a significant impact on a person’s monthly budget. However, the primary concern is what is best for the children and how are they going to be taken care of by each parent.
In a sense, child support can be boiled down to the following three questions:
- How much money do the parents make?
- What are the expenses for the children?
- How much time do the children spend with each parent?
In Oklahoma, the statute on child support is found in Title 43 O.S. § 118, and nine (9) subparts A-I. Child support is complex to calculate because there are so many rules.
Child Support Issue Questions
Below is a list of questions that need to be answered in any child support case.
Income
- What are the parties’ individual monthly incomes?
- What is the parties’ combined monthly income?
- Is the combined income greater than $ 15,000?
- If yes, how will the parties calculate the guidelines?
Expenses
- What are the children’s expenses?
- What is the cost of childcare?
- What is the cost of insurance?
Calculation
- Will the parties follow the Oklahoma State Child Support Guidelines?
- If no, what is the basis for deviation from the guidelines and how much will be paid?
- Are there any special circumstances that affect the calculation of child support?
- Does both parents have more than 121 or more overnights with the children under the custody schedule?
- Do either of the parents have self-employment income?
- Do either of the parents have children from other relationships that live with them?
- Do either of the parents pay child support in another case?
Tax Filing
- Who will claim the children on their taxes?
Past Due Support
- Is there any past due support owed?
- If yes, how will it be repaid?
