Being a dedicated father means you want the best for your children. You want them to be fed, clothed, and cared for. However, entering a child support dispute in Tulsa often feels like walking into a trap. Many fathers fear financial ruin, believing the system is stacked against them or that they will be reduced to nothing more than a paycheck.

At Dads.Law, we understand the sleepless nights caused by financial uncertainty. We know you aren’t trying to dodge your responsibilities—you are trying to survive so you can continue to be a present, active father.

If you are facing an initial child support determination, a modification request, or enforcement actions in Tulsa County, you need a legal team that specifically advocates for men. We ensure the numbers are right, the credits are applied, and your rights are protected.

Understanding Child Support Laws in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, child support is not arbitrary; it is a formula based on statutory guidelines. However, the inputs used in that formula are often where fathers get shortchanged.

Under Oklahoma law (43 O.S. §§ 118–118I), child support is calculated using the Income Shares Model. The theory is that the child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents lived together.

The “Guidelines” Are Only as Good as the Data

While the math is statutory, the court relies on the numbers presented to them. Without a Tulsa child support attorney advocating for you, the court may:

  • Overestimate your income.
  • Fail to give you credit for payments already made.
  • Fail to credit you for other children you support.
  • Overlook the cost of health insurance you provide.

All Practice Areas

A red circle with white AV text in the center. Below, it reads AV Preeminent Rated Lawyers in white and red text on a light gray background.
A badge displaying Avvo 10.0 Superb with a blue ribbon below that reads Top Attorney Criminal Defense on a white background.
A circular Avvo Clients Choice badge with a blue border, featuring five yellow stars on a dark blue ribbon at the bottom, and the Avvo logo and text in the center.
Blue torch icon above the blue letters BBB on a white background.
A blue circle with white scales of justice in the center, symbolizing law, surrounded by the words National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in a circular arrangement.

How Child Support is Calculated in Tulsa

To ensure a fair outcome, we dive deep into the calculation factors used by the Tulsa County District Court.

1. Gross Income Determination

This includes salary, commissions, bonuses, and potentially overtime.

  • For the Self-Employed Father: This is complex. We fight to ensure that legitimate business expenses are deducted from your gross income so you aren’t paying support on money you don’t actually take home.

2. Imputed Income (The “Potential” to Earn)

The court may impute income if it finds you are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, meaning support can be based on earning capacity rather than actual income.

3. The “Shared Parenting” Credit

In Oklahoma, the amount of time you spend with your children directly impacts your payments.

  • The 120-Night Threshold: If you have physical custody of your child for 121 nights per year or more, the law provides a specific adjustment (statutory credit) that can significantly lower your obligation.
  • Why this matters: Many standard agreements offer fathers “every other weekend,” falling short of 121 nights. Mother’s attorneys often formulate visitation offers specifically to fall under the 121 day threshold so that their client can get as much child support from you as possible. We fight for parenting schedules that maximize your time with your kids and reflect what is best for your family.

"Mr. Bacon’s strength of character—his respect, steadfastness, and dedication—set him apart as truly invaluable.

Under an impossible timeline and amid immense pressure, he provided me with the legal representation I not only needed but deserved. His actions remind me that courage and integrity can prevail, even in the most trying of circumstances."

-Al Hammamieh

Common Scenarios: When to Call Dads.Law

We assist Tulsa fathers in various stages of the child support process.

Establishing Support for the First Time

Whether during a divorce or a paternity action, the initial order sets the status quo. It is much harder to change a number later than to get it right the first time. We ensure your initial child support order reflects the actual financial reality of the situation. 

Modification of Child Support

Life changes. If your financial situation has shifted, your support order should reflect that. Under Oklahoma law, you generally need to prove a “Material Change in Circumstances.”

  • Involuntary Job Loss: If you were laid off, you must file for modification immediately. Support continues to accrue at the old rate until you file.
  • Change in Income: If your ex-spouse got a significant raise, or if your income decreased.
  • Change in Custody: If the child is spending significantly more time with you than the original order states.

Enforcement and Defense

If you have fallen behind, you may face severe consequences, including:

  • Garnishment of wages.
  • Revocation of your driver’s or professional license.
  • Contempt of court (jail time).

If you are facing a Contempt Citation in Tulsa County, this is an emergency. We can often negotiate payment plans and help you avoid incarceration, keeping you working so you can pay down arrears.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Are Served

If you receive a Petition for child support or a Motion to Modify, do not panic, but do not wait. The clock is ticking.

  1. Do Not Ignore It: In Oklahoma, failing to respond can result in a “Default Judgment.” This means the other party gets exactly what they asked for, which is usually the maximum amount possible.
  2. Gather Your Records: Collect your last three years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, proof of health insurance costs, and proof of any other child support obligations.
  3. Document Your Time: If you are claiming shared parenting credits, keep a calendar log of every overnight visit.
  4. Contact a Fathers Rights Attorney: Do not agree to a “handshake deal” with the other parent. It is not legally binding and will not stop the DHS or court from collecting back pay later.

Why Tulsa Fathers Choose Dads.Law

We are not a general practice firm; we are the top Fathers Rights firm in Tulsa. We understand the specific biases men face in the family law system.

  • We Know the Local Courts: We are familiar with the judges in Tulsa County. We know how they view overtime pay, self-employment, and shared custody.
  • We Audit the Numbers: We don’t just plug numbers into a calculator. We analyze the opposing party’s income to ensure they aren’t hiding assets or underreporting their earnings.
  • We Prioritize Your Relationship: We fight for your financial stability because we know that a father driven into poverty struggles to provide a stable home for his children.

Protect Your Rights and Your Paycheck

You are more than a wallet. You are a father. Don’t let a flawed calculation dictate your future and your ability to care for your children.

If you need a Tulsa child support attorney who will aggressively defend your financial interests, contact Dads.Law today.

Does 50/50 custody mean I won't pay child support?

Not necessarily. In Oklahoma, even with a true 50/50 split, if there is a significant disparity in income between the parents, the higher earner may still pay support to equalize the households. However, 50/50 custody does trigger the “Shared Parenting Credit,” which significantly reduces the obligation compared to standard visitation.

Can I quit my job to lower my child support payments?

No. This is highly inadvisable. The Tulsa courts view this as “voluntary underemployment.” The judge will likely impute your income based on your previous salary and education, meaning you will owe the same amount of support despite having no income.

What if the mother is refusing to let me see my child because I’m behind on payments?

She cannot do that. In Oklahoma, child support and visitation are separate legal issues. A parent cannot deny court-ordered visitation due to unpaid support. If this is happening, Dads.Law can help you file a Motion to Enforce your visitation rights.

How far back can the court go for retroactive support?

In a paternity case where support has never been established, the court can generally award back child support for up to two years prior to the filing of the petition. This is why establishing paternity and support orders early is crucial for your protection.