Last verified: February 2026
This guide covers Oklahoma child support laws, including how support is calculated under Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Child Support Guideline Schedule, enforcement procedures, and modification requirements.
Quick Summary: Oklahoma Child Support
- Formula: Percentage of Combined Gross Income (Income Shares Model)
- Guidelines: Title 43, Sections 118D and 119 of Oklahoma Statutes
- Termination Age: 18 (or 19 if still in high school)
- Agency: Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Support Services (CSS)
- Contact: 1-800-522-2922
Table of Contents
- How to Apply for Child Support in Oklahoma
- Establishing Paternity in Oklahoma
- How Is Child Support Calculated in Oklahoma?
- Oklahoma Child Support Worksheets
- Grounds for Deviation from Guidelines
- How to Modify Child Support in Oklahoma
- What Happens If You Do Not Pay Child Support?
- When Does Child Support End in Oklahoma?
- Emancipation in Oklahoma
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply for Child Support in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Support Services (CSS) provides comprehensive child support services including application processing, parent location, paternity establishment, support enforcement, and modifications.
To apply for services:
- Download and complete Form 03EN001E (Child Support Services Application)
- Mail the application to: Case Initiation Center, P.O. Box 248843, Oklahoma City, OK 73124-8843
- Or apply online
- Call 1-800-522-2922 for assistance
What to remember:
- Families receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) or Medicaid qualify automatically for child support services
- For “locate only” services, complete the Locate Only Rights and Responsibilities form (03EN007E)
- Oklahoma adopted UIFSA (Uniform Interstate Family Support Act), so parents cannot escape child support by moving to another state
- The application process may involve multiple agencies; your caseworker or attorney will guide you
Important: No Retroactive Modification
Under 2014 Oklahoma Statutes Title 43 Section 43-1181-3(B):
“A child support order shall not be modified retroactively regardless of whether support was ordered in a temporary order, a decree, an order establishing paternity, modification of an order of support, or other action to establish or to enforce support.”
This means the court cannot reduce arrears retroactively, but can order retroactive payments. Apply for support as soon as possible after the child is born to avoid placing an unfair burden on the paying parent.
Establishing Paternity in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services provides free paternity establishment services. However, if the test is positive, the father must reimburse the cost of testing.
Paternity can be established through:
- Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): Both parents sign a sworn statement, typically at the hospital after birth, witnessed by a third party
- Court Action: A judge orders genetic testing and determines paternity
- Marriage Presumption: If a baby is born to a married couple, the husband is automatically presumed to be the father
Establishing paternity grants the child inheritance rights and access to benefits.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Oklahoma?
Under 43 OK Stat Section 118D and Section 119, child support is computed as a percentage of the combined gross income of both parents using the Child Support Guideline Schedule.
The calculation considers:
- Combined gross income of both parents
- Necessary child care expenses
- Work and educational expenses
- Continuing healthcare costs
- Amount of parenting time
- Cost of health insurance
What to remember:
- Gross income means income from all sources
- Excluded incomes: child support paid to other children, adoption assistance subsidies, foster care payments, TANF, and SSI
- The court imputes income if a parent is willfully and voluntarily unemployed or underemployed
- The custodial parent may have to pay support if their parenting time is less than 60%
Oklahoma Child Support Worksheets
Oklahoma provides two calculation tools:
For assistance completing the forms, call Child Support Services at (405) 522-2273.
The Child Support Guideline Schedule (Age and Wage Tables) provides reference tables for calculations.
Grounds for Deviation from Guidelines
The guidelines do not always produce fair results. Oklahoma child support laws allow the court to deviate when the ordered amount is not in the child’s best interests.
Grounds for deviation include:
- Extraordinary educational or medical expenses for the child
- Economic hardship affecting a parent’s ability to pay
- Children in foster care
- Special circumstances affecting the child’s needs
How to Modify Child Support in Oklahoma
Either parent can petition for modification when circumstances change. To qualify for modification, you must show:
- The current order does not include medical support
- The order does not follow current state guidelines
- The support amount would change by at least 20% under current guidelines
- There has been a significant change in circumstances
Significant change in circumstances includes:
- Change in daycare or medical insurance costs
- Court-ordered custody change
- Verified mental or physical disability
- Significant change in parental income (such as involuntary unemployment)
To request modification:
- Send a written request to your local CSS office, or call 1-800-522-2922
- The DHS will review your case and determine eligibility
- Download self-help forms if proceeding without an attorney
What Happens If You Do Not Pay Child Support?
Oklahoma uses multiple enforcement tools to collect unpaid child support:
Administrative Enforcement
- Income Assignment/Withholding: The court or CSS orders the employer to deduct support from wages
- Property or Bank Account Liens: The DHS can collect from bank accounts or place liens on property
- Tax Offset: State, local, and federal tax refunds may be intercepted
- License Revocation: Driver’s, recreational, professional, and business licenses may be suspended or revoked
- Vehicle Registration Suspension: Registration for boats, motorcycles, airplanes, trucks, and cars may be suspended
- Passport Suspension: The State Department may suspend, deny, or revoke passports
- Credit Bureau Reporting: Unpaid support is reported to credit agencies
Contempt of Court
The purpose of contempt charges is to encourage payment. Jail is typically a last resort.
To prove contempt, the accusing party must show:
- A support order exists
- The parent failed to honor the order
- The parent had knowledge of the order
Under 21 OK Stat 21-566.1, first offense penalties include:
- Up to $500 fine
- Up to six months imprisonment
- Work release programs or weekend incarceration to allow employment
- Community service, mediation, counseling, or job training
Criminal Non-Support
Willful and knowing refusal to pay child support is a crime in Oklahoma. Charges may be filed at both state and federal levels.
- Misdemeanor: For lesser amounts owed
- Felony: Maximum penalty of four years imprisonment or $5,000 fine
There is no statute of limitations on child support arrears in Oklahoma.
When Does Child Support End in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma child support laws do not allow judges to order support beyond age 19 unless the child is mentally or physically disabled.
Support typically ends:
- On the child’s 18th birthday
- On the child’s 19th birthday if they have not completed high school
- Per agreement if parents agreed to provide college or university tuition
College and University Tuition
Oklahoma courts cannot order parents to pay for higher education. However, parents can agree to share these costs. For such an agreement to be enforceable, it must include:
- Mutual assent
- A valid offer and acceptance
- Adequate consideration
- Legal capacity
Contact the DHS and the receiving parent when termination is imminent.
Emancipation in Oklahoma
Oklahoma allows minors to petition for emancipation, which grants them the rights of an adult.
To petition for emancipation:
- File through a “next friend,” guardian, or representative
Requirements for emancipation:
- Legal income and ability to manage social and financial affairs
- Marriage
- Enrollment in the U.S. military
- Parental consent
- Living separately from parents
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma calculates child support as a percentage of the combined gross income of both parents using the Child Support Guideline Schedule. The calculation considers income, child care costs, health insurance, and parenting time. Use the official calculator for an estimate.
Can I get retroactive child support in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma courts can order retroactive payments, but cannot modify child support retroactively. This means arrears cannot be reduced after the fact. Apply for support as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Does Oklahoma require parents to pay for college?
No. Oklahoma courts cannot order parents to pay for college or university. However, parents can voluntarily agree to share higher education costs, and such agreements are enforceable if properly executed.
What happens if I cannot afford my child support payments?
If your circumstances change (such as involuntary job loss), petition for modification immediately. The court cannot reduce arrears retroactively, so acting quickly is essential. Contact CSS at 1-800-522-2922.
What if my child’s other parent moved to another state?
Oklahoma participates in UIFSA (Uniform Interstate Family Support Act), which allows enforcement of support orders across state lines. You cannot escape child support obligations by moving to another state.