Divorce is a challenging and highly emotional process, and it becomes even more complicated when children are involved. One of the most crucial aspects of a divorce settlement with children is the child support agreement. Child support is the financial contribution one parent makes to the other to help cover the expenses of raising their children. In Oklahoma, the amount of child support is determined by a detailed calculation that takes various expenses into account.

If you are going through a divorce and you need assistance determining child support, contact Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle. Our family law attorneys will walk you through each step of the process and protect your family’s best interests. This blog post will explore some of the key expenses considered when calculating child support.

Key Factors in Child Support Calculation

When determining child support, numerous expenses must be considered. Oklahoma law mandates that both parents contribute to the support of their child, regardless of marital status. The amount of base child support is calculated using a complex formula that considers several factors, including each parent’s income/earning capacity, the number of children who need financial support, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. The state’s guidelines allow for deviations to be added to the base amount of child support, including:

Costs of the Child’s Healthcare and Insurance

One of the primary expenses included in child support calculations is the cost of healthcare and insurance for the child. This includes the child’s health insurance premium, which is factored into the overall child support amount.

Education Related Expenses

The cost of education is another significant factor in calculating child support. This can encompass tuition fees, school supplies, required school uniforms, and other related educational expenses.

Costs of the Child’s Extracurricular Activities

The expenses for a child’s extracurricular activities are also considered. The court may specify which parent is responsible for these costs, and these payments can be added to the standard child support amount.

Cost of Travel Between the Parents’ Homes

If the parents live far apart, the cost of transporting the child between homes for custody exchanges can be included in the child support calculation. These transportation costs ensure that the child can maintain a relationship with both parents despite geographical distances.

Expenses for Special Needs

For children with special needs, additional expenses may be necessary. These can include extra medical care, counseling, and various therapies. The court will determine how these costs should be divided between the parents to ensure the child’s needs are adequately met.

Child Support Agreements Reached Outside of Court

While many child support cases are decided by the court using the state’s formula. However, there are cases where the parents agree to the terms for child support without going to court. When this type of agreement is reached, the family law court still reviews and approves it to confirm it is in the child’s best interest.

An Oklahoma judge will review the agreed amount of child support compared to the state guideline support amount. If there are deviations from the formula, it must be to the child’s benefit. If the court does not approve the child support agreement, it will assign the amount of support required by the state guidelines.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Calculating child support is a complex process that requires careful consideration of many factors. Our family law attorneys in Oklahoma City understand the importance of compromise, justice, compassion in cases involving divorce, child custody, and child support.

If you are going through a divorce and need help navigating the child support process, contact our Oklahoma family law attorneys. Call us at (405) 692-7676 or use our convenient online form to schedule a consultation.