Oklahoma Child Support Services: Paternity FAQ's for Mothers

Paternity Frequently Asked Questions for Mothers

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

1. What happens if I do not know where the father is?
Child Support Services (CSS) can help find a parent. Helpful info includes a full name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, what they look like, employer, usual type of work and info about others who may know how to find the other parent.

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2. If the father lives in another state, can Child Support still work my case?
CSS can help find a parent. Helpful info includes a full name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, what they look like, employer, usual type of work and info about others who may know how to find the other parent.

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3. Will I need to fill out any papers for court?
Yes, will ask you to answer some questions to help in starting your case. These questions make sure the right information is given to the judge. Papers are then filed with the judge and the father is told he will need to show up for a hearing.

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4. Will I need to go to court?
That depends upon the situation of your case. CSS will let you know if you need to show up.

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5. What happens if the father does not admit he is the father?
If the father shows up for the hearing and says he is not sure he is the father, DNA testing is set up.

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6. Will my baby 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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7. Will I get a copy of the results?
Yes, a copy will be sent to you if you are the current custodian of your child.

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8. What happens if the results say the father is not actually the father of my 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 you would get to look at the picture taken at the test to make sure the man who showed up is the man you thought was the father of your child.

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9. Who pays for the DNA test?
CSS pays for the test. Also, if the tests show the father is really the father, the judge will tell him to pay CSS back for the test.

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10. If the genetic tests are positive, what happens?
If the DNA tests show results of 99 percent or greater, the judge will say the man is legally the father.

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11. Will I get child support?
After the judge says the man is the father, the judge will decide if the father should pay child support. Usually, unless the father is hurt and not able to work, he will be told to pay child support. If you are getting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the child support is kept by the State to repay the cost of TANF.

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12. How much child support will the father pay?
The judge will decide how much support should be paid based on how much money the father makes and how much money you make.

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13. What if the father does not have a job? Will he still owe child support?
If the father is able to work, he will be told to pay child support at least at a minimum wage level.

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14. Will my child’s name change?
A change in your child’s name is not usually included in the court order.

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15. Will the father be listed on the birth certificate?
The judge will give instructions for your child’s birth certificate to be changed to add the name of the father. 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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