Legal status for a child in a child support case is found on the OSIS CSML screen
Legal status is the legal relationship between a NCP and Child. The legal status helps determine where a case is in the child support process.
Legal status matters
Legal status is a quick way to determine what actions are or may be needed on a case. It can quickly tell you if paternity has been determined, if an order needs to be established or if an order simply needs to be enforced. Understanding legal statuses can also help with understanding of Performance Measures and Paternity Pre-audit.
OSIS codes for legal status
These are the OSIS codes for Legal Status from the OSIS Screen Books: Common Fields. A more in-depth explanation of the codes follows.
| OSIS Code | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Support has been ordered |
| B | Child listed in a divorce decree but not support is ordered |
| H | Paternity has been established by a court order but no support is ordered |
| I | Married/Separated or MOM is NCP |
| M | Paternity has not been established |
| N | Paternity has been excluded |
| P | Paternity has been established through a 209/AOP |
OSIS Legal Status code A signifies that an order has been established and is ready to be enforced.
Legal Status B indicates there is a divorce decree and the child is named in the decree, but child support has not been ordered for the child. Further action may be needed to obtain an order for support.
A legal status of H means there has been a judicial proceeding and paternity has been adjudicated. Further action may be needed to obtain an order for support. Oklahoma Child Support Services does not do paternity only actions. CSS only updates H when there is an order from another court or legal entity outside CSS administrative court.
Legal status I is for married but separated couples or it could mean there is a divorce decree. This code is also used when the mother is the non-custodial parent.
M is used to indicate a determination of paternity is needed. The alleged father may request a genetic test.
Legal status N indicates the alleged father has been excluded by genetic test or judicial determination.
A legal status of P means an acknowledgment of paternity has been signed and paternity has been voluntarily established.
Knowing and understanding legal status codes and their meanings can make your work go faster and easier.
If you enjoyed this article you might like Tracking Paternity Establishment using PATI, CSPI, and CSPTD OSIS Screens: Pre-Audit Assists.