Child Support
Fact Sheet
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Rights and Responsibilities
Information for Parents Receiving Support
As custodial parent, you have a right to:
· Financial support from the other parent for minor children who live with you.
· Medical insurance for your children as determined by the court order.
· Any and all services offered by Child Support Services.
· Be informed about major actions Child Support Services or the courts take on your case.
· Confidentiality of all information about your case, unless you agree in writing to allow Child Support Services to release information.
· Request a modification hearing.
· Request a child support payment history or any other information that pertains to you.
· Request a state hearing if you disagree with an action or lack of action on your case.
You are responsible for:
· Maintaining a current address with Child Support Services. You are required by law to inform Child Support Services of a change of address and to maintain a current address at all times. Your child support check will not be forwarded even if you file a change of address with the Post Office. Inform Child Support Services of changes in your address in writing. Be sure to include your case number or social security number on all correspondence.
· Providing all information Child Support Services needs to work your case, such as current telephone number, name change, etc.
· Notifying Child Support Services of any important change affecting your case such as:
Ø Your child reaches age 18 and is no longer attending high school full time.
Ø Your child reaches age 19, regardless of school status.
Ø Someone else adopts your child or custody of your child changes.
Ø Your child joins the armed forces
Ø Your child marries before age 18
Ø Your child no longer lives with you
Ø Your child dies
Ø You and the other parent begin or resume living together or remarry
Ø The court takes action on your case. The court and Child Support Services are separate entities, and the court does not always notify us of its actions, especially if you are working through a private attorney.
You will need to provide proof of these changes in your case. All proof must contain your child’s name. Several proofs Child Support Services can accept are:
· A high school diploma or program from graduation ceremonies
· Marriage license
· Military enlistment document
· Death certificate
· Adoption papers
Returning any child support paid to which you are not entitled.
This could be support that was paid directly to you instead of to Child Support Payment Central
(CSPC) or money sent to you in error by CSPC. When overpayments or errors occur, Child Support
Services will inform you in writing and enter into an agreement to repay the amount.
Child Support Services tracks your child support case through the Support Enforcement Tracking System (SETS). The computer will continue to charge child support until a court order is issued to allow a change or stop. Without your input, Child Support Services and the courts have no way to know that support should be changed or stopped in your case. By law, you are required to notify Child Support Services of changes affecting your case. Please communicate with us whenever necessary.