Vance County Social Services Child Support Enforcement (252) 431-1200
Nash County Social Services Department Child Support (252) 459-9864
Gaston County Department of Social Services Child Support (704) 862-7520
Forsyth County Dept of Social Services Child Support Enforcement (336) 703-3801
Child Support Enforcement Agency (910) 343-3355
Onslow County Child Support (910) 938-3563
Catawba County Social Services Child Support (828) 695-4405
Edgecombe County Child Support Enforcement (252) 641-7951
Alamance County Social Services Dept Child Support Enforcement (336) 570-6570
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
North Carolina Child Support Enforcement Handbook
The Federal government put together a child support handbook that is an excellent resource for state and local levels. It is a PDF document.
Check out this link:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hra/downloads/pdf/FED_handbook_on_child_support_enforcement.pdf
Check out this link:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hra/downloads/pdf/FED_handbook_on_child_support_enforcement.pdf
Learn Your Rights In North Carolina
There is one thing you can do that no attorney can do for you. You can become informed. This is a right you have that not court in the land can overrule. But you need to know what your rights are and how to execute them. If you don't know them, you might as well not have any.
You can get educated about what your rights are and how to handle them. There is no other person on earth who cares more about your issue than you do. Many attorneys see you as just another case, not someone they genuinely care about.
You can get educated about what your rights are and how to handle them. There is no other person on earth who cares more about your issue than you do. Many attorneys see you as just another case, not someone they genuinely care about.
North Carolina Child Support Important Links
These are some important links for child support in North Carolina:
North Carolina Child Support Enforcement
http://www.ncchildsupport.com/parents.jsp
http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/cse/index.htm
Making a Payment
http://nc.smartchildsupport.com/ncp.asp
North Carolina Child Support Guidelines
https://nddhacts01.dhhs.state.nc.us/WorkSheet.jsp
North Carolina Child Support Enforcement
http://www.ncchildsupport.com/parents.jsp
http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/cse/index.htm
Making a Payment
http://nc.smartchildsupport.com/ncp.asp
North Carolina Child Support Guidelines
https://nddhacts01.dhhs.state.nc.us/WorkSheet.jsp
NC Child Support Resources
This is a resource for those collecting or paying child support in North Carolina. It's also a place to post questions and dialogue about your experiences of collecting or paying child support in the state. You might have experiences that could help someone just like yourself. Please share your links, and advice.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Get Rid of your Child Support Headaches!
by: Donald P. Schweitzer
Mary Smith’s divorce was final and she hoped her headaches were over. The court had ordered her ex-husband to make monthly payments in support of their two children, and although the amount of support was not much, Mary expected the money would help her in paying for the children’s clothing, food, and shelter. Unfortunately Mary’s headaches just began. When Mary’s ex-husband did pay support, which was rare, it was always late, and never the full amount. As a result, Mary was forced to bear the responsibility of supporting their children alone. Does Mary’s story sound familiar?
Unfortunately, Mary’s story is all too familiar. Custodial parents throughout the nation are not receiving court ordered child support, and as a result millions of children are not provided for in the manner they deserve. Moreover, custodial parents routinely give up in their quest to receive support, which is tragic, considering the enforcement methods available to them.
In this article we will explore the various methods available in the collection of child support and discuss the importance of vigorously pursuing such matters.
First of all, custodial parents should know that there are a variety of enforcement mechanisms provided by law to assist in the collection of child support. The following list constitutes some of the tools that are available to custodial parents:
Wage Assignment
An earnings assignment order for support, commonly referred to as a “wage assignment,” is available for enforcement of child and spousal support orders, and is probably the most effective and commonly used enforcement method. An earnings assignment order for support is binding on an employer of the obligor on whom it is served, regardless of whether the obligor was employed by that employer when the order was issued and regardless of whether the obligor was employed by that employer when the order was issued and regardless of whether the order lacks identifying information about the employer or includes incorrect information about the employer. California Family Code, Section 5231.
Earnings assignment orders for support must require that the obligor notify the obligee of any change of employment, and of the name and address of the new employer, within ten days after obtaining new employment. California Family Code, Section 5281.
Writ of Execution
A writ of execution is an order to a county’s levying officer (i.e., its sheriff or marshal), or to a registered process server, to obtain satisfaction of a judgment for a judgment creditor. The writ may be executed by (1) seizing funds of the judgment debtor and delivering them to the judgment creditor, (2) seizing and delivering real or tangible personal property, or (3) seizing and selling real or tangible personal property and delivering the proceeds.
Judgment Lien on Real Property
A judgment lien on real property to enforce a money judgment may be created by recordation. The particular document to be recorded depends on the nature of the money judgment being enforced. When the underlying money judgment is an order for child, spousal, or family support payable in installments, the lien is usually created by recording an Abstract of Support Judgment. The judgment lien is simple and sometimes very effective enforcement method that should not be overlooked. The benefit from the lien is usually realized when the judgment debtor attempts (1) to sell real property in a county in which the document is recorded or (2) to obtain a loan to be secured by real property located in such a county. The prospective purchaser or lender will probably insist that any liens be paid off.
Contempt Proceedings
By statute, contempt proceedings are available to enforce any judgment or order made under the Family Code. If the contempt alleged is for failure to pay child, spousal, or family support, each month for which payment has not been made in full may alleged and punished as a separate count. The limitation period for such a failure is three years from the date the payment was due.
Deposit of Assets to Secure Child Support Payments
In an order or judgment requiring payment of child support, the court may also require, subject to certain restrictions, that the obligor pay up to one year’s child support, to be known as the “child support security deposit.” When making an order for payment of a child support security deposit the court must direct that the obligor deposit the amount in an interest-bearing account and subject to withdrawal only on court authorization. Furthermore, the court must order the obligor to supply evidence of the deposit.
Penalties for Unpaid Child Support
The California Family Code provides for substantial monetary penalties for unpaid child support. The penalties are intended to be applied in “egregious instances of noncompliance with child support orders.”
Attorney’s fees
The California Family Code also provides that the court may order the non custodial parent pay attorney’s the custodial parent’s attorney’s fees for having to bring enforcement proceedings.
Don’t Sit on your Rights to Collect!
One of the most important things a custodial parent should know about the enforcement of child support, is the serious risk in losing one’s right to collect if enforcement proceedings are not pursued in a timely fashion. During the past five years California courts have rendered numerous opinions holding the doctrine of laches applies to child and spousal support arrears and have precluded custodial parents from collecting where they have waited too long. (See Marriage of Plescia (1997) 59 CA4th 252.)
The doctrine of laches is an equitable defense that allows parents who have not paid child support to plead with the court to not enforce the arrears, since the custodial parent’s dely unfairly prejudiced them.
Thus, it is paramount that custodial parents enforce their rights to collect in a timely fashion. It is advisable for custodial parents who are having difficulty collecting child support to be proactive and to take legal action immediately.
Copyright 2006 Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer
About The Author
Donald P. Schweitzer
Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer 201 South Lake Avenue, Suite 700 Pasadena, California 91101 (626) 683-8113 http://www.PasadenaDivorce.com
Mary Smith’s divorce was final and she hoped her headaches were over. The court had ordered her ex-husband to make monthly payments in support of their two children, and although the amount of support was not much, Mary expected the money would help her in paying for the children’s clothing, food, and shelter. Unfortunately Mary’s headaches just began. When Mary’s ex-husband did pay support, which was rare, it was always late, and never the full amount. As a result, Mary was forced to bear the responsibility of supporting their children alone. Does Mary’s story sound familiar?
Unfortunately, Mary’s story is all too familiar. Custodial parents throughout the nation are not receiving court ordered child support, and as a result millions of children are not provided for in the manner they deserve. Moreover, custodial parents routinely give up in their quest to receive support, which is tragic, considering the enforcement methods available to them.
In this article we will explore the various methods available in the collection of child support and discuss the importance of vigorously pursuing such matters.
First of all, custodial parents should know that there are a variety of enforcement mechanisms provided by law to assist in the collection of child support. The following list constitutes some of the tools that are available to custodial parents:
Wage Assignment
An earnings assignment order for support, commonly referred to as a “wage assignment,” is available for enforcement of child and spousal support orders, and is probably the most effective and commonly used enforcement method. An earnings assignment order for support is binding on an employer of the obligor on whom it is served, regardless of whether the obligor was employed by that employer when the order was issued and regardless of whether the obligor was employed by that employer when the order was issued and regardless of whether the order lacks identifying information about the employer or includes incorrect information about the employer. California Family Code, Section 5231.
Earnings assignment orders for support must require that the obligor notify the obligee of any change of employment, and of the name and address of the new employer, within ten days after obtaining new employment. California Family Code, Section 5281.
Writ of Execution
A writ of execution is an order to a county’s levying officer (i.e., its sheriff or marshal), or to a registered process server, to obtain satisfaction of a judgment for a judgment creditor. The writ may be executed by (1) seizing funds of the judgment debtor and delivering them to the judgment creditor, (2) seizing and delivering real or tangible personal property, or (3) seizing and selling real or tangible personal property and delivering the proceeds.
Judgment Lien on Real Property
A judgment lien on real property to enforce a money judgment may be created by recordation. The particular document to be recorded depends on the nature of the money judgment being enforced. When the underlying money judgment is an order for child, spousal, or family support payable in installments, the lien is usually created by recording an Abstract of Support Judgment. The judgment lien is simple and sometimes very effective enforcement method that should not be overlooked. The benefit from the lien is usually realized when the judgment debtor attempts (1) to sell real property in a county in which the document is recorded or (2) to obtain a loan to be secured by real property located in such a county. The prospective purchaser or lender will probably insist that any liens be paid off.
Contempt Proceedings
By statute, contempt proceedings are available to enforce any judgment or order made under the Family Code. If the contempt alleged is for failure to pay child, spousal, or family support, each month for which payment has not been made in full may alleged and punished as a separate count. The limitation period for such a failure is three years from the date the payment was due.
Deposit of Assets to Secure Child Support Payments
In an order or judgment requiring payment of child support, the court may also require, subject to certain restrictions, that the obligor pay up to one year’s child support, to be known as the “child support security deposit.” When making an order for payment of a child support security deposit the court must direct that the obligor deposit the amount in an interest-bearing account and subject to withdrawal only on court authorization. Furthermore, the court must order the obligor to supply evidence of the deposit.
Penalties for Unpaid Child Support
The California Family Code provides for substantial monetary penalties for unpaid child support. The penalties are intended to be applied in “egregious instances of noncompliance with child support orders.”
Attorney’s fees
The California Family Code also provides that the court may order the non custodial parent pay attorney’s the custodial parent’s attorney’s fees for having to bring enforcement proceedings.
Don’t Sit on your Rights to Collect!
One of the most important things a custodial parent should know about the enforcement of child support, is the serious risk in losing one’s right to collect if enforcement proceedings are not pursued in a timely fashion. During the past five years California courts have rendered numerous opinions holding the doctrine of laches applies to child and spousal support arrears and have precluded custodial parents from collecting where they have waited too long. (See Marriage of Plescia (1997) 59 CA4th 252.)
The doctrine of laches is an equitable defense that allows parents who have not paid child support to plead with the court to not enforce the arrears, since the custodial parent’s dely unfairly prejudiced them.
Thus, it is paramount that custodial parents enforce their rights to collect in a timely fashion. It is advisable for custodial parents who are having difficulty collecting child support to be proactive and to take legal action immediately.
Copyright 2006 Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer
About The Author
Donald P. Schweitzer
Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer 201 South Lake Avenue, Suite 700 Pasadena, California 91101 (626) 683-8113 http://www.PasadenaDivorce.com
Child Support Law Opinions
by: Holcy Thompson III
Child Support Laws
Child support in each state of America follows its own laws. Although, these laws are slightly different, they share one thing in common, that every non-custodial parent must provide financial support and health benefits for their child/children. Financial support helps in many ways. First, when the mother/father are struggling and unable to provide 100% for their young ones, the child support payments will provide them extra cash to help cover any expenses. Expenses such as food, utility bills, medical, and clothes. Single parent raising children can be tough, that is why it is important to have child support paid by the non-custodial parent. Health coverage can also be very expensive, especially for children. Having good medial coverage can help offset those expenses. Many states in America have laws that make it mandatory for a non-custodial parent to provide medical support for their children.
Child Support Laws and Enforcement
Some parents who are ordered to pay child support often avoid their obligations. These parents are what we call dead beat parents. Most dead beat parents do not pay child support for reason just to spite the custodial parent. Some may be too lazy to get a job, others may be too selfish to dish out the money to pay for their responsibilities. Who know why some parent will not take the responsibilities of paying their child support dues? Fortunately, there are laws which prosecutes parents who avoid paying child support. In most states in America you can find a child support enforcement office which will provide assistances in enforcing non-custodial parents to pay past due child support. Some methods of enforcing child support laws are garnishment of the wages, interception of tax refund checks, suspensions of drivers license, and jail time.
Establishing paternity
When a mother has a child and she is married, then the father is legally obligated to pay child support if they divorce. When a mother has a child outside of marriage in order for her to file for child support she must first establish paternity. Establishing paternity makes the non-custodial father legally obligated to the responsibilities of child support. If at anytime the alleged father doubts that the child is his, a genetic test would be performed to discover once and for all who the father is. Locating a missing parent can be difficult, especially if they live in another state. Sometimes tracking the social security number of the missing parent will help to pin point their location. Usually when the missing parent applies for a new job, their social security can be trace back to their location. In order to establish paternity, the custodial parent must first locate the father.
For more information on child support laws in your area, please click the link below.
http://www.child-support-laws-state-by-state.com
http://moneymakingsurveys.blogspot.com
About The Author
Holcy Thompson III
I am a father who pays child support on a regular basis. I research informaiton on child support laws in each state and I share that information with anyone interested.
Child Support Laws
Child support in each state of America follows its own laws. Although, these laws are slightly different, they share one thing in common, that every non-custodial parent must provide financial support and health benefits for their child/children. Financial support helps in many ways. First, when the mother/father are struggling and unable to provide 100% for their young ones, the child support payments will provide them extra cash to help cover any expenses. Expenses such as food, utility bills, medical, and clothes. Single parent raising children can be tough, that is why it is important to have child support paid by the non-custodial parent. Health coverage can also be very expensive, especially for children. Having good medial coverage can help offset those expenses. Many states in America have laws that make it mandatory for a non-custodial parent to provide medical support for their children.
Child Support Laws and Enforcement
Some parents who are ordered to pay child support often avoid their obligations. These parents are what we call dead beat parents. Most dead beat parents do not pay child support for reason just to spite the custodial parent. Some may be too lazy to get a job, others may be too selfish to dish out the money to pay for their responsibilities. Who know why some parent will not take the responsibilities of paying their child support dues? Fortunately, there are laws which prosecutes parents who avoid paying child support. In most states in America you can find a child support enforcement office which will provide assistances in enforcing non-custodial parents to pay past due child support. Some methods of enforcing child support laws are garnishment of the wages, interception of tax refund checks, suspensions of drivers license, and jail time.
Establishing paternity
When a mother has a child and she is married, then the father is legally obligated to pay child support if they divorce. When a mother has a child outside of marriage in order for her to file for child support she must first establish paternity. Establishing paternity makes the non-custodial father legally obligated to the responsibilities of child support. If at anytime the alleged father doubts that the child is his, a genetic test would be performed to discover once and for all who the father is. Locating a missing parent can be difficult, especially if they live in another state. Sometimes tracking the social security number of the missing parent will help to pin point their location. Usually when the missing parent applies for a new job, their social security can be trace back to their location. In order to establish paternity, the custodial parent must first locate the father.
For more information on child support laws in your area, please click the link below.
http://www.child-support-laws-state-by-state.com
http://moneymakingsurveys.blogspot.com
About The Author
Holcy Thompson III
I am a father who pays child support on a regular basis. I research informaiton on child support laws in each state and I share that information with anyone interested.
Child Support How Does it Work?
by: Nathan Dawson
Child support is a court-ordered financial contribution paid by the parent who does not live with the children to the parent who does live with them. Each state has its own formula for calculating the correct amount that is paid for child support; however, the judge can deviate from the formula if it is deemed necessary.
Here are some important things to keep in mind regarding child support:
Child support funds are to be used at the discretion of the custodial parent. The money is intended to be used for the child and whether or not this is actually the case is not a decision that can be made by the parent who must pay it.
Child support payments must be made, even when the custodial parent earns more than the non-custodial parent.
Both parents should contribute to extra-curricular activities, since child support does not include them.
Always pay child support payments on time. When it comes to your child and divorce, leave the divorce out.
Some states will mandate to have wages garnished as payment for child support.
Never tell your child about child support payments. Let your child be a kid. Don’t burden him or her with the painful details of a divorce that you are solely responsible for.
Consult your attorney prior to signing a child support agreement. Your attorney knows the law and can better inform you of what is in your best interest.
The best divorce advice with regard to child support is to simply be familiar with the laws surrounding this obligation. The more you are familiar with the standard procedure, the better you will be at coping with the divorce.
About The Author
Nathan Dawson writes for http://www.lifeaftermarriage.com/ a great online source for finance information.
Child support is a court-ordered financial contribution paid by the parent who does not live with the children to the parent who does live with them. Each state has its own formula for calculating the correct amount that is paid for child support; however, the judge can deviate from the formula if it is deemed necessary.
Here are some important things to keep in mind regarding child support:
Child support funds are to be used at the discretion of the custodial parent. The money is intended to be used for the child and whether or not this is actually the case is not a decision that can be made by the parent who must pay it.
Child support payments must be made, even when the custodial parent earns more than the non-custodial parent.
Both parents should contribute to extra-curricular activities, since child support does not include them.
Always pay child support payments on time. When it comes to your child and divorce, leave the divorce out.
Some states will mandate to have wages garnished as payment for child support.
Never tell your child about child support payments. Let your child be a kid. Don’t burden him or her with the painful details of a divorce that you are solely responsible for.
Consult your attorney prior to signing a child support agreement. Your attorney knows the law and can better inform you of what is in your best interest.
The best divorce advice with regard to child support is to simply be familiar with the laws surrounding this obligation. The more you are familiar with the standard procedure, the better you will be at coping with the divorce.
About The Author
Nathan Dawson writes for http://www.lifeaftermarriage.com/ a great online source for finance information.
Child Support Enforcement and Federal Criminal Law
by: Jean Mahserjian
Child support enforcement is a growing area of family law. Once child support has been ordered by a Court, or agreed upon by two parents, it is not always smooth sailing. Although we hear a lot about "deadbeat parents" (and there are both moms and dads who are deadbeats), the overwhelming majority of parents pay support and take care of their children as agreed upon or ordered. But, when that is not the case, you have to know how child support enforcement works.
Child support enforcmement in one form or another is available in every state for collecting against deadbeat parents. Those child support enforcement remedies include wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, suspending a driver's or professional license, and more.
In addition to the child support enforcement remedies that the individual states provide, the is a federal remedy which is often overlooked, but which is very effective. That child support enforcement remedy is the Child Support Recovery Act of 1992.
Under the Child Support Recovery Act, the failure to pay child support, if willful, is a federal crime if the parent who owes support lives in a different state than the parent who is receiving the support. Relying on this criminal statute can be a very effect child support enforcement tool.
The purpose of the Federal Child Support Recovery Act was to prevent a parent from moving to a different state or a foreign jurisdiction for the purpose of evading a child support order.
However, since we live in an incredibly mobile society, it is not unusual to have a support paying parent in one state and a support receiving parent living in another state. When that happens, the Federal Act is available as a remedy for interstate child child support enforcement.
A first offense under the Federal Child Support Recovery Act can result in a prison sentence of up to six months in addition to monetary fines. A second conviction can result in more jail time and greater fines.
The Child Support Recovery Act was amended in 1998 and is now know as the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act. The 1998 Act makes it a federal crime to travel to another state to avoid a child support obligation, if that support obligation is greater than $5000 and has remained unpaid for more than one year. If the obligation is greater than $10,000 and has remained unpaid for more than 2 years, if is a federal crime under the 1998 Deadbeat Parents Act simply to have not paid the child support.
The penalties available for child support enforcement under the 1998 Deadbeat Parents Act include prison sentences, fines and restitution. Restitution is the payment of money to the custodial parent in an amount equal to the child support arrearage existing at the time that the defendant is sentenced. Probation can also be imposed and can include conditions such as the payment of child support and mandatory employment. A violation of those terms of probation can result in the imposition of additional prison time.
If you are owed child support and the parent who is supposed to pay lives in another state, consult with an attorney to discuss whether the Federal Deadbeat Parents Act can help you with child support enforcement and collect the support due to you.
About The Author
Jean Mahserjian is an attorney and the author of numerous websites and books devoted to helping consumers through the process of divorce. To download free excerpts from her divorce and custody books, visit: http://www.millenniumdivorce.com/
jmm@millenniumdivorce.com
Child support enforcement is a growing area of family law. Once child support has been ordered by a Court, or agreed upon by two parents, it is not always smooth sailing. Although we hear a lot about "deadbeat parents" (and there are both moms and dads who are deadbeats), the overwhelming majority of parents pay support and take care of their children as agreed upon or ordered. But, when that is not the case, you have to know how child support enforcement works.
Child support enforcmement in one form or another is available in every state for collecting against deadbeat parents. Those child support enforcement remedies include wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, suspending a driver's or professional license, and more.
In addition to the child support enforcement remedies that the individual states provide, the is a federal remedy which is often overlooked, but which is very effective. That child support enforcement remedy is the Child Support Recovery Act of 1992.
Under the Child Support Recovery Act, the failure to pay child support, if willful, is a federal crime if the parent who owes support lives in a different state than the parent who is receiving the support. Relying on this criminal statute can be a very effect child support enforcement tool.
The purpose of the Federal Child Support Recovery Act was to prevent a parent from moving to a different state or a foreign jurisdiction for the purpose of evading a child support order.
However, since we live in an incredibly mobile society, it is not unusual to have a support paying parent in one state and a support receiving parent living in another state. When that happens, the Federal Act is available as a remedy for interstate child child support enforcement.
A first offense under the Federal Child Support Recovery Act can result in a prison sentence of up to six months in addition to monetary fines. A second conviction can result in more jail time and greater fines.
The Child Support Recovery Act was amended in 1998 and is now know as the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act. The 1998 Act makes it a federal crime to travel to another state to avoid a child support obligation, if that support obligation is greater than $5000 and has remained unpaid for more than one year. If the obligation is greater than $10,000 and has remained unpaid for more than 2 years, if is a federal crime under the 1998 Deadbeat Parents Act simply to have not paid the child support.
The penalties available for child support enforcement under the 1998 Deadbeat Parents Act include prison sentences, fines and restitution. Restitution is the payment of money to the custodial parent in an amount equal to the child support arrearage existing at the time that the defendant is sentenced. Probation can also be imposed and can include conditions such as the payment of child support and mandatory employment. A violation of those terms of probation can result in the imposition of additional prison time.
If you are owed child support and the parent who is supposed to pay lives in another state, consult with an attorney to discuss whether the Federal Deadbeat Parents Act can help you with child support enforcement and collect the support due to you.
About The Author
Jean Mahserjian is an attorney and the author of numerous websites and books devoted to helping consumers through the process of divorce. To download free excerpts from her divorce and custody books, visit: http://www.millenniumdivorce.com/
jmm@millenniumdivorce.com
Child Support: 5 Key Things Every Parent Should Know
by: Detra D. Davis
There is no magic solution to getting issues surrounding child support resolved. Most parents know that when dealing with the bureaucracy tied to the child support system persistence, persistence, persistence is the key that opens the door. In fact, it is the only thing that will open any door when it comes to getting a resolution to a problem. You cannot count on pencil pushers, or all too patient white collar “Friend of the Court” workers to help. They are overworked, underpaid, wrapped in a sea of paperwork, antiquated computer programs, and red tape that barely allows them to move from point “A” to point “B”. So what’s a parent to do?
1. If your relationship even remotely appears to be on the rocks and children are involved start collecting information on your partner. This is advice for both men and women. Don’t fool yourself gentlemen; you too can become a custodial parent seeking child support from your partner. It may not be the norm, but it is a reality. Don’t sneak around, and don’t feel as though you are going behind someone’s back. You have to do what is in the best interest of your children and yourself. Begin collecting bank account numbers, list of licenses, locations of stock/bond papers, money markets and past work/address history. Gather as much as you can.
2. Keep impeccable records. Write the names, addresses, phone and fax numbers to everyone you talk to concerning your child support case. You must hold people accountable and this is one way to do it. Don’t ever be afraid to ask a judge or referee, attorney or the child support worker of your case who they report to at the end of the day. This will send a clear message that they will be held accountable for every word that comes out of their mouth so it better be in your best interest.
3. Parents who were married at the time of conception may not have an issue filing for a child support order and often times your divorce attorney will cover this matter in your initial interview. However if the parents are not married, establishing paternity is essential if you expect to receive child support. Paternity means fatherhood. Establishing paternity provides the child/children with a legal father.
4. Child support equals survival. Break-ups are never easy for the parents or the children. It often means that the emotional and financial standard of living for all parties will suffer. Parents must understand that child support is paid for the well being of the child and the parent caring for that child. Money is a powerful tool in this society and can be used as a weapon when it comes to child support. The duty to pay child support and the right to visit are two different issues. They are not connected in the law. In the eyes of the court the child is entitled to contact with both parents. If non-support is an issue, begin documenting the visitation and during your next visit with the judge or referee assigned to your case mention the fact that support has stopped. If you don’t have an upcoming court visit, write the judge or referee assigned to your case. You can also inform your child support worker if you have one assigned, but write the judge and request a hearing to address the matter immediately.
5. There is power in the pen, or in the keyboard, depending on how you choose to communicate with the people associated with your child support case. Always, always leave a paper trail. If you send a letter, ask the postal worker to give you a confirmation, it will at least let you know when the letter has arrived. Calling child support workers or trying to get in touch with “Friend of the Court” staff is as impossible as willing the “mega millions lottery.” Parent must continue to write or, drop off letters to their workers/judges, and get the name of the person you leave the letter with, along with a phone number, This is great advice for any situation, if you think someone is giving you a bogus phone number, use your cell phone or a pay phone and call the number before you leave the location. If the number is not valid go back, ask to speak to a supervisor and let them know; and take the information to court with you so it can become part of the court record. If you truly have a problem getting child support issues addressed, write your legislators and your governor, weekly if needed. The squeaky wheel get the oil, and nothing ventured, nothing gained.
About The Author
Detra D. Davis is a Consultant, and technical writer with over 20 years of experience. She writes technical and operational manuals, and works as Parent Educator teaching workshops on the importance of establishing paternity and paying child support. Detra may be reached at 313-446-0896, at www.supportingourchildren.com or by mail at J. Davis & Associates Publishing, P. O. Box 44782, Detroit, MI 48244-0782, Attention: Detra D. Davis.
There is no magic solution to getting issues surrounding child support resolved. Most parents know that when dealing with the bureaucracy tied to the child support system persistence, persistence, persistence is the key that opens the door. In fact, it is the only thing that will open any door when it comes to getting a resolution to a problem. You cannot count on pencil pushers, or all too patient white collar “Friend of the Court” workers to help. They are overworked, underpaid, wrapped in a sea of paperwork, antiquated computer programs, and red tape that barely allows them to move from point “A” to point “B”. So what’s a parent to do?
1. If your relationship even remotely appears to be on the rocks and children are involved start collecting information on your partner. This is advice for both men and women. Don’t fool yourself gentlemen; you too can become a custodial parent seeking child support from your partner. It may not be the norm, but it is a reality. Don’t sneak around, and don’t feel as though you are going behind someone’s back. You have to do what is in the best interest of your children and yourself. Begin collecting bank account numbers, list of licenses, locations of stock/bond papers, money markets and past work/address history. Gather as much as you can.
2. Keep impeccable records. Write the names, addresses, phone and fax numbers to everyone you talk to concerning your child support case. You must hold people accountable and this is one way to do it. Don’t ever be afraid to ask a judge or referee, attorney or the child support worker of your case who they report to at the end of the day. This will send a clear message that they will be held accountable for every word that comes out of their mouth so it better be in your best interest.
3. Parents who were married at the time of conception may not have an issue filing for a child support order and often times your divorce attorney will cover this matter in your initial interview. However if the parents are not married, establishing paternity is essential if you expect to receive child support. Paternity means fatherhood. Establishing paternity provides the child/children with a legal father.
4. Child support equals survival. Break-ups are never easy for the parents or the children. It often means that the emotional and financial standard of living for all parties will suffer. Parents must understand that child support is paid for the well being of the child and the parent caring for that child. Money is a powerful tool in this society and can be used as a weapon when it comes to child support. The duty to pay child support and the right to visit are two different issues. They are not connected in the law. In the eyes of the court the child is entitled to contact with both parents. If non-support is an issue, begin documenting the visitation and during your next visit with the judge or referee assigned to your case mention the fact that support has stopped. If you don’t have an upcoming court visit, write the judge or referee assigned to your case. You can also inform your child support worker if you have one assigned, but write the judge and request a hearing to address the matter immediately.
5. There is power in the pen, or in the keyboard, depending on how you choose to communicate with the people associated with your child support case. Always, always leave a paper trail. If you send a letter, ask the postal worker to give you a confirmation, it will at least let you know when the letter has arrived. Calling child support workers or trying to get in touch with “Friend of the Court” staff is as impossible as willing the “mega millions lottery.” Parent must continue to write or, drop off letters to their workers/judges, and get the name of the person you leave the letter with, along with a phone number, This is great advice for any situation, if you think someone is giving you a bogus phone number, use your cell phone or a pay phone and call the number before you leave the location. If the number is not valid go back, ask to speak to a supervisor and let them know; and take the information to court with you so it can become part of the court record. If you truly have a problem getting child support issues addressed, write your legislators and your governor, weekly if needed. The squeaky wheel get the oil, and nothing ventured, nothing gained.
About The Author
Detra D. Davis is a Consultant, and technical writer with over 20 years of experience. She writes technical and operational manuals, and works as Parent Educator teaching workshops on the importance of establishing paternity and paying child support. Detra may be reached at 313-446-0896, at www.supportingourchildren.com or by mail at J. Davis & Associates Publishing, P. O. Box 44782, Detroit, MI 48244-0782, Attention: Detra D. Davis.
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