Oklahoma Child Support Services: Paternity FAQ's for Fathers

Paternity Frequently Asked Questions for Fathers

These questions are about when a child is born to parents who are not married to each other and an Acknowledgement of Paternity has not been completed.

1. If the mother and child live in another state, can Oklahoma Child Support Services still work my case?
Yes, Oklahoma Child Support Services takes a look at whether the case could be filed in Oklahoma or if the help of another state is needed.

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2. How will I find out about whether a woman says I am the father of a child?
Papers are filed with the court based upon information provided by the mother and you are told you will need to show up for a hearing.

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3. Will I need to go to court?
Yes. If you do not show up for the hearing, the judge will think you agree with everything in the papers filed with the court. So, if you are not there, the judge will determine you are the father and order you to pay child support and provide health insurance.

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4. What if I am not sure I am the father?
If you show up for the hearing and are not sure you are the father, DNA testing is set up.

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5. Will I have to have blood drawn?
No, in Oklahoma DNA testing is done using a buccal swab. This means a swab, like a cotton swab, is rubbed on the inside of the mouth. No needles are used and it is painless.

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6. Will I get a copy of the results?
Yes, a copy will be sent to you, at the address OCSS has on file for you, when the results are received from the lab.

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7. What happens if the results say I am not the father of the child?
The paternity case will be dismissed and closed unless there is a question that the right person showed up for the DNA test. Then the person who has custody of the child would get to look at the picture taken at the test to make sure you were the person who showed up.

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8. Who pays for the genetic test?
The State of Oklahoma pays the up-front cost of the test. If the tests show you are the father, the judge will tell you to pay OCSS back for the cost of the test. If you are not the father, you do not have to pay for the test.

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9. If the genetic tests are positive, what happens?
If the DNA tests show results of 99 percent or greater, the judge names you as the legal father.

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10. Will the mother get child support?
After the judge says you are the father, the judge will decide if you should pay child support. Usually, unless you are hurt and not able to work, you will be told to pay child support.

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11. How much child support will I pay?
The judge will decide how much support should be paid based upon how much money you make and how much money the mother makes. You can estimate the amount you will pay using our online child support computation.

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12. What if I do not have a job?
If you are able to work, you will be told to pay child support at least at a minimum wage level.

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13. Will the child’s name change?
A change in the child’s name is not always included in the court order. If both mother and father agree, the judge can change the child's last name.

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14. Will I be listed on the birth certificate as the father?
The judge will give instructions for your child’s birth certificate to be changed to add your name as father of the child. The order would need to be taken to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Division of Vital Records (Link opens in new window) to make the update.

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