In a word, yes. Women do have to pay child support in Oklahoma. Both men and women are legally required to be financially responsible for their children. The question of who pays child support during and after a divorce hinges not so much on the gender of the parent as it does on other factors.
Child Support Is Gender Neutral In Oklahoma
Every parent, male and female, is equally liable for the support of their children. This is true no matter the marital status of the parent.
In Oklahoma, the court uses mathematical calculations to determine support. Several factors are involved in determining child support, including the income of each parent and which parent is the custodian.
Sometimes, the mother is the custodian. Sometimes, the father is the custodian. In either case, the non-custodial parent often must pay child support. If the father is the custodial parent, this usually means that the mother pays child support.
Support In Joint Custody Cases
There is almost always a primary custodian in child custody cases. The primary custodian will have more overnights with the children than the other parent, oftentimes in excess of 182 nights per year. The custodian is the parent who receives child support.
However, child support may be due even when there is joint custody in Oklahoma. The number of overnights may be a mitigating factor in the amount of support paid.
When the time is evenly split between the parents, the parent with the most income will generally be required to pay child support. Hence, sometimes women pay child support in Oklahoma.
Other Mitigating Factors
There are other factors that a court may consider in determining who pays child support, such as other support payments and other special needs of the parents or their children. Therefore, it is important that you have the help of an experienced Tulsa child support attorney. The outcome of these proceedings will impact the lives of you and your children for years to come.
Free Consultation With A Tulsa Divorce Lawyer
The divorce process is what you make it — the higher the conflict, the more expensive your case becomes. Hiring a skilled and experienced Tulsa divorce attorney ensures your rights are protected and explains all necessary and unnecessary steps in the process.
Contact an experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer when you need to go through the Oklahoma divorce process.
For a free, confidential consultation, call 918-924-5526 now.
