Lead Fathers’ Rights Attorney
Jeff Bacon is an Oklahoma family law attorney representing fathers in child support cases across the Oklahoma City metro. His practice handles initial support orders, contested calculations, modifications when life changes, and enforcement defense in Oklahoma, Cleveland, Canadian, and Logan counties.
Oklahoma Bar Association #33721
A good dad wants to support his kids. That is not the fight. The fight is what counts as “support,” how income is measured, how parenting time gets credited, and whether DHS or the other side is going to inflate the number until it stops making sense. Walking into a child support hearing in Oklahoma County without representation is how fathers end up paying on income they never actually take home.
At Dads.Law, we hear the same concern from men across the OKC metro: “I am not trying to dodge anything, I just need the math to be honest.” That is exactly what an Oklahoma City child support lawyer does — confirms the inputs, applies the right credits, and pushes back where the numbers are wrong.
Oklahoma uses the Income Shares Model under 43 O.S. §§ 118 through 118I. The premise is that the child should receive the share of parental income they would have received if both parents lived under one roof. The math is statutory; the inputs are where men get squeezed.
Many opposing counsel will design a visitation offer that stops at 120 overnights — just below the threshold. That is not a coincidence. A schedule that crosses 121 overnights changes the math significantly. We negotiate (or litigate) for schedules that reflect what is actually best for your family and that get you above the threshold when appropriate.
Whether the order comes out of a divorce or a paternity case, the initial calculation often sets the status quo for years. Getting it right the first time is far easier than fixing it later.
Life changes. Oklahoma requires a material change in circumstances to modify support — an involuntary job loss, a significant income shift in either direction, or a meaningful change in parenting time. Filing matters: support continues to accrue at the old rate until a motion is on file.
If you have fallen behind, the consequences are real: wage garnishment, driver’s or professional license suspension, and contempt with potential jail time. If you are facing a contempt citation in Oklahoma County, Cleveland County, Canadian County, or Logan County, do not wait. We negotiate payment plans, defend contempt actions, and keep clients working so arrears can actually be paid down.
"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."
A petition for support, a notice of administrative action from DHS, or a motion to modify all start a clock. Ignoring it produces a default judgment — which usually means the maximum the other side asked for.
Overstated income — Bonuses, overtime, or one-time payments treated as baseline.
Self-employment math — Business gross treated as personal income.
Hidden income on the other side — A parent who works for cash, owns a business, or is “off the books” needs scrutiny. We help shine a light there.
Missing credits — Insurance, other-child support, parenting time — left off the worksheet.
The “voluntary underemployment” trap — Quitting a job to reduce income usually backfires. Courts impute income to prior earning levels.
One of the most important reminders for fathers: in Oklahoma, child support and visitation are separate legal issues. A mother cannot deny court-ordered visitation because she is upset about money, and a father cannot withhold support because he is being kept from his kids. The right response on both sides is a motion in the right court.
Dads.Law represents fathers exclusively. Child support is a core part of what we handle.
We do not just plug values into a calculator. We test the inputs, scrutinize the other parent’s income, and apply every credit you are entitled to.
Oklahoma County, Cleveland County, Canadian County, Logan County — judges and DHS officers each have their own patterns. Local experience changes strategy.
We explain the worksheet line by line so you understand exactly how the number was built — and where it can be defended or modified.
If you are facing garnishment, license suspension, or contempt, we step in fast — to keep you working and keep options open.
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.
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.
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.
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.
