Legal FAQs

Does DCSS provide an attorney
for either party?
No. DCSS does not represent either party, but represents the public interest
in having children supported. You may retain an attorney to represent you.

Can I file for custody or
visitation?
Yes, but DCSS will not be involved in these issues.

Following the hearing,
when will the first payment be due?
This depends on the court order. The Court may order payments to begin
the first of the next month or may order the payments to begin at a later date.
Make your payments based upon the court's order.

Who should I make the payments
to?
All payments should be made through the State Disbursement Unit. Payments
should not be made directly to the custodial parent.

What is the Facilitator's
Office and how can it assist me?
The Facilitator's Office provides child support information and assistance
to parents. It can also help parents obtain and complete court forms and all services
are provided free of charge. The Facilitator's Office is not part of the Department
of Child Support Services.

What if custody/visitation
changes?
If custody/visitation changes significantly, please contact DCSS so that
your file can be reviewed for a modification. Also, you may contact the Facilitator's
Office.

What if I lose my job and
cannot pay?
You should ask DCSS to review your case, but remember to make all payments
that become due. DCSS may file a motion with the court to modify your support order.

What if I became incarcerated
and cannot pay?
You should notify us immediately of your situation. DCSS may file a
motion with the court to modify your support payment.

How does a wage assignment
work?
The amount due for the child support is deducted from your paycheck(s) each
month and paid directly to the State Disbursement Unit.

What if I do not have health
coverage through my employer?
The court may take this into consideration. However, the court still has
the authority to order you to obtain some form of health insurance for your child(ren).
If you do have health insurance coverage available through your employer, the Court
may order you to provide coverage for your child(ren).

What if the custodial parent
is on welfare; does the money go to that parent?
No. The money will go to the County to reimburse it for the cost of the
aid being provided to the custodial parent and/or child(ren).

What if I am already ordered
to pay support in another county or in the same county for different children?
The Court will take this into account when you appear at your hearing.
Make sure to have any statements and/or court orders regarding those cases, and
any proof of payment on those cases, at the hearing with you.

How long am I responsible
for paying the child support?
Generally, the Child Support obligation continues until the child turns eighteen
years old. However,if the child is a full-time high school student, child support will
continue until the child graduates from high school or turns nineteen, whichever occurs first.
** However,
if there are arrears (past due child support) owing, then the arrears continue to
be due until the account is paid in full.
** There
may be exceptional circumstances where child support may be ordered to continue
beyond these dates.