Children

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Enforcing Support

Information for Parents Paying Support

What happens if I miss a payment?

Notify Child Support Services and explain why you missed a payment and how you plan to make up the unpaid support. Child Support Services will make every effort to work with you.

Will Child Support Services accept a partial payment?

Yes, but keep in mind that the amount you do not pay will become an arrearage – that is, a debt you will eventually have to pay.

When the arrearage equals one month of child support, Child Support Services must take enforcement action. To understand what one month of support means, see the “One Month of Support” fact sheet (HCJFS 7939).

What is notification?

Child Support Services must attempt to notify you of any formal action being taken against you. Before taking court action, a notice is mailed to the last address you provided. It is required by law – and in your best interest – to keep Child Support Services informed of your current address.

What will happen if I just don’t pay?

Failure to provide financial support harms your children and creates debt for you. Additional consequences may include:

·    You are reported to the credit bureau.

·    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State Treasurer seize your federal and/or state tax refunds.

·    Child Support Services files a contempt motion with the court for failure to pay support.

·    The court can sentence you to jail for up to 90 days with a fine up to $1,000.

·    Your passport can be denied.

·    Your drivers or professional license can be revoked.

·    You can be featured on a child support “Most Wanted” poster the state circulates.

·    The County Prosecutor can place a lien on your property.

·    You can be prosecuted for criminal nonsupport, which is a felony. If convicted, you can be sentenced to prison for up to 18 months for each child you did not support. You will still owe child support when you’re released.

·    Child Support Services can “freeze and seize” financial accounts to pay back child support.

If I owe back child support, can Child Support Services take my tax refund?

Yes. This is called tax offset. Ohio’s child support computer system SETS automatically submits your name for federal and state tax offset if:

· You owe more than $500 in unpaid child support and the other parent never received public assistance during your support order.

· You owe more than $150 in unpaid child support and the other parent has received public assistance during your child support order.

Unless you pay, your tax refund will be withheld to pay child support you owe.

I haven’t paid support in the past, but I want to now.

Begin making support payments. Contact Child Support Services and arrange to pay on your arrearage. If support is not directly withheld from your paycheck, you can pay it directly to:

Child Support Payment Central

P.O. Box 182372

Columbus, OH 43218-2372

Make sure to include your full name and your SETS case number on your check. If you don’t know your SETS case number then you must include your social security number and the full name of the other parent in your child support case.

DO NOT SEND CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS TO 800 BROADWAY.

IT WILL DELAY PROCESSING OF YOUR PAYMENT.