Child Support FAQ
What are the benefits of establishing paternity?
Paternity establishment can provide basic emotional, social and economic ties between a father and his child. Once paternity is established legally, a child gains legal rights and privileges. Among these may be rights to inheritance, rights to the father’s medical and life insurance benefits, social security and possibly veteran’s benefits. The child also has a chance to develop a relationship with the father, and to develop a sense of identity and connection to the “other half” of his or her family.
What will the case manager need to know to try to establish paternity?
The case manager needs as much information as you can give about the alleged father and the facts about your relationship with him, your pregnancy, and the birth of your child. Some of these questions may be personal. States must keep the information that you give confidential.
What if he denies he is the father, or he’s not sure?
Paternity can be determined by the evidence presented in court, including highly accurate tests conducted on the man, mother and child. Genetic test results indicate a probability of paternity and can establish a legal determination of paternity. These tests can exclude a wrongly accused man and can also indicate the likelihood of paternity if he is not excluded. All parties in a contested paternity case must submit to genetic tests at the request of either party.
What happens if I am not sure who the father is?
When more than one man could be the father of a baby, each may be required to take a genetic test. These tests are highly accurate, and it is almost always possible to determine who fathered a baby and to rule out anyone who did not.
I know the address of my children’s father in another state, and my case manager sent a petition to establish my support order there. That was three months ago, and still no support payments. What’s wrong?
It may be any number of things: enforcement officials may not be able to serve notice on the non-custodial parent due to inadequate address information; if a hearing is necessary, it may take a while to get a court date. Continue to keep in touch with your case manager to resolve any delay or to provide any new information you may have.
As soon as the children’s father is notified about enforcement, he moves. How will I ever be able to collect my support?
It can be difficult to enforce child support payments when the non-custodial parent intentionally moves to avoid paying. Try to be an active participant in your own case. Whenever you learn that the non-custodial parent has moved or has a new job, you should tell your caseworker as soon as possible.
I think the children’s father is still in the area. What information will the enforcement office need to find him?
Most important is the social security number and current employer’s name and address; also helpful are the names, addresses and phone numbers of any relatives, friends, or past employers who might know where he works or lives. Unions, local clubs or organizations, including professional organizations, might also have information. Finally, information about local creditors, such as banks or utility companies, might yield an address.
What will happen when the caseworker has the current address of the non-custodial parent?
The child support worker will verify the home and work addresses, then may ask the parent to come to the CSED for an interview, or notify him/her that legal action may be taken.