How to Collect Child Support from an Incarcerated Parent
Contact your state’s Attorney General’s Office., Complete an application., Gather necessary supporting documentation., Establish paternity., Attend a hearing to establish an initial child support order.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Contact your state’s Attorney General’s Office.
Every state has established child support enforcement agencies that help parents collect child support.
In many states, the Attorney General’s Office helps parents.Other states have created local agencies to perform the same role.A child support enforcement agency can help you get an initial child support order.
To find your office, search “child support enforcement” and “your state.” If you currently receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid, then you should already be enrolled.
The state office should contact you. -
Step 2: Complete an application.
Once you contact the appropriate child support enforcement agency, you will be given forms to complete.
Make sure to print legibly and return the forms as soon as possible.
Although each state’s form is slightly different, you will generally be asked for the following information:your name your address, telephone number, and email your Social Security Number your date of birth the other parent’s name, contact information, date of birth, and Social Security Number a physical description of the other parent the name, date and place of birth, race, sex, and Social Security Number for each child you are seeking child support for whether you are married to or divorced from the other parent who has legal custody of the children whether paternity has been established the other parent’s work history , You may have to submit certain supporting documents along with your application.
For example, in Texas, you will need any of the following that apply to your situation:your divorce decree or separation agreement an acknowledgement of paternity (if one has been signed) birth certificates of all children involved evidence of any history of paying child support documents reflecting each parent’s income and assets, such as tax returns, bank statements, and paycheck stubs , The child support enforcement agency can also help you establish paternity.
If you aren’t entirely sure who the father is, you can still apply for services.
The agency will help establish paternity through the courts.
The man might admit that he is the father.
However, if he disagrees, then the court can order that DNA testing be done., Only a judge can establish an initial child support order, and the judge will want to hear from both sides.
You might need to attend the hearing.For example, you may need to attend in order to testify.
However, the child support enforcement agency should do most of the work at the hearing.
You should talk with the child support enforcement agency to ask how you can prepare for the hearing and what your role will be. -
Step 3: Gather necessary supporting documentation.
-
Step 4: Establish paternity.
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Step 5: Attend a hearing to establish an initial child support order.
Detailed Guide
Every state has established child support enforcement agencies that help parents collect child support.
In many states, the Attorney General’s Office helps parents.Other states have created local agencies to perform the same role.A child support enforcement agency can help you get an initial child support order.
To find your office, search “child support enforcement” and “your state.” If you currently receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid, then you should already be enrolled.
The state office should contact you.
Once you contact the appropriate child support enforcement agency, you will be given forms to complete.
Make sure to print legibly and return the forms as soon as possible.
Although each state’s form is slightly different, you will generally be asked for the following information:your name your address, telephone number, and email your Social Security Number your date of birth the other parent’s name, contact information, date of birth, and Social Security Number a physical description of the other parent the name, date and place of birth, race, sex, and Social Security Number for each child you are seeking child support for whether you are married to or divorced from the other parent who has legal custody of the children whether paternity has been established the other parent’s work history , You may have to submit certain supporting documents along with your application.
For example, in Texas, you will need any of the following that apply to your situation:your divorce decree or separation agreement an acknowledgement of paternity (if one has been signed) birth certificates of all children involved evidence of any history of paying child support documents reflecting each parent’s income and assets, such as tax returns, bank statements, and paycheck stubs , The child support enforcement agency can also help you establish paternity.
If you aren’t entirely sure who the father is, you can still apply for services.
The agency will help establish paternity through the courts.
The man might admit that he is the father.
However, if he disagrees, then the court can order that DNA testing be done., Only a judge can establish an initial child support order, and the judge will want to hear from both sides.
You might need to attend the hearing.For example, you may need to attend in order to testify.
However, the child support enforcement agency should do most of the work at the hearing.
You should talk with the child support enforcement agency to ask how you can prepare for the hearing and what your role will be.
About the Author
Marie Morris
Specializes in breaking down complex DIY projects topics into simple steps.
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