I am looking to put the mother of my child on child support. What should I do?

Applying for child support can be a complex process, but there are resources available to help you. The steps and specific requirements can vary by state, so it’s important to contact the child support agency in your state or local county for the most accurate information.

Here is a general overview of the steps involved in putting the mother of your child on child support:

1. Apply for Child Support Services

• Contact your state’s child support agency. This is the primary authority for handling child support cases. You can typically find their information on your state’s Department of Human Services or a similar government website.
• Fill out an application. Most states offer an online application, but you can also download and print a physical form, or request one by mail or phone. There may be a non-refundable application fee unless you are a recipient of certain public assistance programs (like Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or certain Medicaid benefits).

2. Gather Necessary Information

To complete the application and proceed with the case, you will need to provide as much information as possible about yourself, the child(ren), and the other parent. This may include:

• Social Security numbers and birth dates for all parties involved.
• Current and past addresses for the other parent.
• Employment history and contact information for the other parent’s employer.
• Your child’s birth certificate(s).
• Any existing court orders related to custody or support.
• Information about your and the other parent’s income (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.).

3. Establish Paternity (If Necessary)

• If you and the mother were not married when the child was born, paternity may need to be legally established before a child support order can be issued.
• The child support agency can assist with this process, which often involves genetic testing.

4. Locate the Other Parent

• If you do not know the mother’s current address or place of employment, the child support agency has resources to help locate her. They can access information from various state and federal databases.

5. Establish a Support Order

• A child support order is a legal document that specifies the amount of child support to be paid.
• The amount is calculated based on your state’s child support guidelines, which typically take into account the income of both parents, the number of children, and other factors like healthcare costs and childcare expenses.
• This can be done through a mutual agreement between both parents (called a “stipulated agreement”) or through a court hearing where a judge or commissioner makes the final decision.

6. Begin Payments and Enforcement

• Once the child support order is in place, payments are typically set up to be deducted directly from the paying parent’s paycheck.
• The child support agency is also responsible for enforcing the order if payments are not made. Enforcement actions can include intercepting tax refunds, suspending licenses, or filing contempt of court actions.

Important Considerations:

• Legal Representation: While you can navigate the child support process on your own through the state agency, you may choose to hire a lawyer, especially if the case is complex or contested.
• Custodial vs. Non-Custodial Parent: The term “non-custodial parent” refers to the parent who does not have the child’s primary physical custody, and this is the parent who is ordered to pay support. The “custodial parent” is the one who lives with the child and receives the support payments. Either parent can initiate a child support case.
• State-Specific Information: Child support laws and procedures are different in every state. It is crucial to use the official resources of your specific state’s child support agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information. You can find a directory of state and tribal child support agencies on the U.S. Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) website.

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