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Child Support Enforcement

There are legal steps you can take if a parent who is obligated to pay child support under the terms of a court or government agency order stops making payments. Under the Child Support Enforcement Act of 1984, district attorneys (D.A.s) or state's attorneys must help a parent collect child support. Federal laws allow the interception of tax refunds to enforce child support orders. Other methods of enforcement include wage attachments, seizing property or -- in some states -- revoking the paying parent's driver's license. The following resources cover the enforcement of child support orders, how to get your spouse to make court-ordered payments, wage garnishment and other topics pertaining to unpaid child support.
Learn About Child Support Enforcement
  • Enforcement of Child Support FAQ

    Answers to frequently asked questions having to do with the enforcement of child support orders; including the enforcement of support when the non-custodial parents moves out-of-state and getting back payments.

  • Wage Garnishment FAQ

    Answers to frequently asked questions pertaining to wage garnishment, the process of taking someone’s wages without their consent with a court order, a common method of enforcing child support payments.

  • Child Support Enforcement Agencies

    Links to child support programs and enforcement agencies, including the National Child Support Enforcement Association; the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement; and other relevant organizations.

  • Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement

    Information and helpful resources from the Office of Child Support Enforcement (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), including links to state and tribal resources and contacts.

  • Handbook on Child Support Enforcement

    Comprehensive guide to the enforcement of child support orders; including information about establishing paternity; working across borders to enforce support orders; and more (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services).

  • Unpaid Child Support and Getting a U.S. Passport

    Information about passport eligibility for those with unpaid child support obligations, including how to restore eligibility after paying down a past due balance (U.S. Department of State).

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