[Notalent]

Hey All,

I have a buddy hear at work who is from OK. He has 3 children, two of which are over 18 (19 & 21). Neither are going to College. He split from his wife and she after a while requested child support once the oldest turned 18 years old, years after they split up (because she was mad he re married). Back in CA where I am from the law states you no longer pay child support after the age of 18 unless the child goes along to college, then you must continue to pay until finished.

Does whats happening to him sound right? Anyone know where I can get information on this? He has called and they said he has to pay for ALL of them until the youngest child is 18 (a few years). Which is weird, because the oldest doesnt even live at home, has a job and is surviving on her own.....Any help is appreciated.

[karibear]

Tell him to read his divorce decree very carefully. If there wasn't an order of support included, it may not be actual child support, but repaying the state for any welfare benefits she may have received, and that would be how long it would take him. Every state is different, and that's one area I think might benefit from a federal guideline. [Note that I say might.]

[LBurry]

Originally Posted by Notalent

Hey All,

I have a buddy hear at work who is from OK. He has 3 children, two of which are over 18 (19 & 21). Neither are going to College. He split from his wife and she after a while requested child support once the oldest turned 18 years old, years after they split up (because she was mad he re married). Back in CA where I am from the law states you no longer pay child support after the age of 18 unless the child goes along to college, then you must continue to pay until finished.

Does whats happening to him sound right? Anyone know where I can get information on this? He has called and they said he has to pay for ALL of them until the youngest child is 18 (a few years). Which is weird, because the oldest doesnt even live at home, has a job and is surviving on her own.....Any help is appreciated.

I live in Oklahoma and my experience is more than 4 years ago. In Oklahoma, the support obligation stops at age 18 unless the court has ordered differently. As each child reaches the age of emancipation (age 18) the amount of support is adjusted so that the obligation is for the remaining minor children.

Another poster indicated that it may be for welfare benefits paid by the state (assuming that no support was paid before)... this is a possibility. And assuming that support was not paid before, the ex-spouse may be asking for back support that she never received while the children were minors.

It's best to review the settlement documents and also to consult with an attorney in Oklahoma. To do nothing will only make matters worse and it should be addressed as soon as possible. Do not depend on advice given by the state Human Services.... proper legal advice/representation is the only way to keep the situation under control.

[whip]

OKDHS.org - Child Support Guidelines Overview

That may have some information but if he owes back support then he will have to pay but when the kids turn 18 they drop off unless they are in School.