June 26, 2023
Taking care of a child is expensive. And as your child grows, the cost of raising them will only continue to rise. If you and your child’s other parent do not live together, then you may be able to file for child support to help provide for your child. Still, you may have questions on how much you need and what you can expect to receive. While the amount of child support that you can receive in Oklahoma will be mostly based on the income of both you and your ex, there are several other factors that the court will look at. Here’s more on child support in Oklahoma and how it is calculated.
In its simplest form, child support takes the form of payments from one parent to another for the support and care of the children they share. To receive child support, you must file for it through the courts and/or the Department of Human Services Child Support Division (OKDHSCCS). Once you file with the court, you will be given a court date where it will be determined if you are entitled to it and how much. Not every parent will be eligible to receive child support. Parents that live together generally cannot receive child support. A parent who does not have custody of a child will also be unable to receive child support.
Child support payments will be distributed to the receiving parent. Failure to pay child support can have several negative consequences. These can include loss of driver’s license, seizure of bank accounts, reporting to the credit agencies, and in some cases, jail time.
It is important to understand that child support can be established in a few separate ways. The easiest way is through an agreement. If you and your ex can agree on an amount, then you will simply need to file your agreement with the court, and it will become a final order. What this means is that it will now be enforceable, and if your ex does not pay, then you can bring an action against them to force payment. This can include attachment of wages or having the matter put in front of a judge for contempt.
If you cannot agree, then your case will be heard by a judge. The court will look at several factors to calculate support. If a parent goes through OKDHSCSS, the agency will set up the process to consider the following factors. Here are a few of the factors the court will consider:
You must remember that child support is primarily based on the income of both you and your ex. Generally, the parent that has the kids the most will be entitled to receive child support from the other parent. But this is not always the case. Similarly, the parent that earns the most will usually be responsible for paying the other parent’s support. Again, there are situations where this is not always true.
There are several child support calculators online that can give you an idea of how much you can expect to receive. Still, these calculators are merely estimates and are not official in any way. It is recommended that you consult with a family law attorney to get the most up-to-date and reliable information about child support.
Need help in your child support case? If so, you should speak with a family law attorney for guidance and direction. Inner Vision Legal is an experienced family law firm that has counseled thousands of Oklahomans regarding divorce, child custody, child support, and other important matters. We endeavor to provide you with quality services that are affordable. We can get started on your case today. Call Inner Vision Legal at (405) 724-2525, or contact us online for a consultation.
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