Whether it is referred to as child support arrearages, arrears, delinquencies or simply past-due support, falling behind on child support payments in Oklahoma can be a serious situation. There are legal penalties for delinquent payments, which is why it is crucial to know when payments are considered past due.

When a court orders child support payments to be made, it will include a date by which payments need to be made. If payments are not received by the custodial parent on these dates, the noncustodial parent may be considered delinquent on their payments.

Sometimes, per a child support order, the noncustodial parent will make payments via income assignment. Through income assignment, a portion of the noncustodial parent’s income will be assigned to the custodial parent or to another person per the terms of the child support order. This can happen through direct income withholding. When this happens, employer notification and payroll dates may affect the timeline for receiving child support. However, in these situations, Child Support Services still must receive payments by the end of the month or the payments will be considered past due.

Making timely child support payments is important. Both custodial parents and noncustodial parents are financially responsible for the upbringing of their child. Child support payments can help custodial parents meet the child’s basic needs such as clothing, housing, health care and food. This is essential to the well-being of the child, who should not have to suffer from the effects of child support delinquencies. It is in the best interests of the child for full and timely payments to be made.

Custodial parents and noncustodial parents who have questions about child support arrears may want to research their options and remedies. Doing so could help them make responsible and informed choices with regards to their child support payments.