Child Support

ᎠᏲᏟ ᏗᏍᏕᎸᏗᎢ

ᏂᎪᎯᎸᏊ ᏗᏛᏛᎲᏍᎩ

Frequently Asked Questions

Will your stimulus payment be affected if you owe child support?

The Treasury Department provides frequently asked questions on economic impact payments and the Treasury Offset Program. For more information please visit their website at https://fiscal.treasury.gov/top/faqs-for-the-public-covid-19.html

What is the purpose of child support?

Child support is based upon the concept that children are entitled to the support of both parents. This recognizes that there are costs associated with raising children. For example, the custodial parent often has to secure larger living quarters than he/she would otherwise need. The custodial parent may need larger or different transportation, in addition to basic food, clothing, school supplies, medical expenses and so forth. The custodial parent is often paying these things directly. Child support is designed to partially offset these expenses and even out the burden based upon the parent's respective incomes.

Why is there a child support program?

CN OCSS was established in July 2007 and administers the program with in-house staff and through.
 
In December 1974, the U.S. Congress amended Title IV of the Social Security Act by adding Part D – Child Support and Establishment of Paternity. Title IV-D required each state to designate an organization to administer a plan for enforcing child support. Services provided by CSS to parents under this law are called IV-D cases.
 
Cherokee Nation has always valued parent’s inherent right to provide for their children.   In December 2004, the Cherokee Nation tribal council recognized a need to protect Cherokee sovereignty, customs, and family values by approving a resolution that allowed for the application of funding for a IV-D Cherokee Nation child support program.   The Cherokee Nation Office of Child Support Services ( CN OCSS) was established in 2007 and administer the program with in-house staff who strives to provide the very best services to all program participants. 

Are there services CN OCSS does not provide?

Yes, CN OCSS does not provide the following services: 

  • Property settlement matters
  • Visitation or custody matters
  • Private attorney's fees
  • Spousal support only orders

My child will turn 18 soon but he is still in high school. What will happen to the child support?

If the order was issued in Oklahoma, and if the child is still enrolled in high school at age 19, child support is payable until age 20, or the date of graduation, whichever comes first.

I live in another state. Can I get help from CN OCSS in Oklahoma?

Yes. If you have an open case in another state and the other parent or party lives in Oklahoma, your case worker can submit requests to CN OCSS in Oklahoma.

Does CN OCSS charge for its services?

No, CN OCSS does not charge any fees for services provided.