Any court ordering a party in a civil case to make payments for the support or maintenance of a child may direct, and upon application of the Director of the Department of Human Services, the court shall direct, that such payments be made to the Department of Human Services which shall be disbursed according to federal regulations. The court's order, or payments made pursuant thereto, shall not affect the amount of such assistance payments so long as the custodian of the child makes all reasonable efforts, when necessary, to cause the court's order to be obeyed. If payments are not made by such party as directed by the court, the Director of the Department of Human Services may file and prosecute in the case an application to have the party cited for contempt of court, or other pleading to secure a compliance with the court's order. Provided, the authority of the Director of the Department of Human Services to take such action shall not affect the right or responsibility of the custodian of the child to take, or excuse her or him from taking, similar action. The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services shall have authority to adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 165, § 3, emerg. eff. April 11, 1968. Amended by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 17, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.