In Oklahoma, child support is typically calculated based on the Oklahoma Child Support Guidelines, which provide a formula for determining the amount of child support to be paid. The formula takes into account various factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and certain expenses related to the child’s care.
Here are the general steps involved in calculating child support in Oklahoma:
- Determining Gross Income: The gross income of both parents is calculated, which includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, and other sources of income. Certain deductions may be allowed, such as taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums.
- Adjusted Gross Income: From the gross income, certain adjustments are made, such as subtracting self-employment taxes or adding imputed income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
- Combined Adjusted Gross Income: The adjusted gross incomes of both parents are added together to determine the combined adjusted gross income.
- Basic Child Support Obligation: The Oklahoma Child Support Guidelines provide a table that correlates the combined adjusted gross income with the basic child support obligation. The table indicates the amount of child support to be paid based on the number of children involved.
- Proportionate Share: Each parent’s share of the combined adjusted gross income is calculated, and each parent is responsible for paying their proportionate share of the basic child support obligation.
- Additional Expenses: In addition to the basic child support obligation, certain additional expenses, such as health insurance premiums, daycare expenses, and extraordinary medical expenses, may be allocated between the parents based on their incomes and other factors.
- Child Support Calculation: The basic child support obligation and additional expenses are added together to determine the total child support obligation.
It’s important to note that the child support calculation can be more complex in certain situations, such as when there are shared or split custody arrangements, deviations from the guidelines are requested, or when the parents’ income exceeds a certain threshold. In such situations you will want more information about an “above-the-guideline” child support calculation.
While this information provides a general overview of how child support is calculated in Oklahoma, it is advisable to consult with a family law attorney or refer to the most recent version of the Oklahoma Child Support Guidelines for specific calculations and guidelines applicable to your situation. The Smith Firm attorneys are prepared to provide guidance and representation regarding your child support matter. Contact us today at (405) 843-1000 or schedule a consultation HERE.
