OKLAHOMA CITY — A judge has decided that the Oklahoma Department of Human Services improperly charged fathers in paternity cases too much in interest for back child-support judgments, in a class-action lawsuit that could cost the state millions of dollars if upheld on appeal.
Oklahoma County District Judge Barbara Swinton made the ruling in a lawsuit filed by four men in 2011. They claimed they were wrongfully charged 10 percent interest rather than a fluctuating rate determined by the prime rate set by banks.
Department of Human Services records dating to 2000 show that more than 26,000 men could be due refunds. If the decision is upheld, a search of paper records that date back to 1993 will be necessary to determine who is owed refunds.
Bob Robinson, an attorney for the four men, estimates the state potentially will have to reimburse affected fathers $130 million or more.
Oklahoma Department of Human Services attorney Richard Freeman said in reference to Robinson’s estimate that “It could be in the millions for sure, potentially. I don’t think it will be that much.” Freeman also said that the reimbursement funds could come from insurance.