OKC Divorce Lawyer Blog
How OK Courts Treat Social Security, Disability & Government Benefits in Child Support
In Oklahoma, Social Security disability benefits received on behalf of a child due to a parent’s disability are included in the parent’s gross income for calculating child support but are then deducted from the total support owed. Benefits paid to a child for their own disability do not affect child support obligations. Courts credit these benefits against support during the payment period but do not reduce past-due amounts if benefits exceed current obligations. These rules are outlined in Okla. Stat. tit. 43 §§ 118B.G.1, 118B.G.3.b. For a detailed explanation, see How OK Courts Treat Social Security, Disability & Government Benefits in Child Support.
Read more »How OK Handles Self-Employment Deductions & Business Expenses in Support Calculations
Oklahoma courts determine child support income for self-employed parents by deducting only “ordinary and reasonable” business expenses necessary to generate income, as stated in Okla. Stat. tit. 43 § 118B(E)(1). Expenses like rent, utilities, and supplies are typically deductible, but non-cash items such as depreciation are not. Courts also exclude personal expenses paid by the business and require inclusion of certain taxes unless specifically allowed. The goal is to calculate a fair income figure that reflects actual available funds, not just tax benefits. For more details, see How OK Handles Self-Employment Deductions & Business Expenses in Support Calculations.
Read more »How OKC District Courts Handle Schooling, Extracurricular, and Travel Costs in Support Orders
Oklahoma child support orders can include more than basic needs, covering expenses for schooling, extracurricular activities, and travel related to visitation or education. Courts consider these costs carefully, ensuring they are reasonable and necessary for the child’s development. Parents may be required to share these expenses proportionally based on income, with adjustments made if costs change over time. Importantly, courts focus on what is in the child’s best interests, not just the lowest cost options. For more details on this process, see How OKC District Courts Handle Schooling, Extracurricular, and Travel Costs in Support Orders. Okla. Stat. tit. 43 §§ 118G.A, 118G.D.
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