How to File for Child Support as a Single Mother
As a single mom, you need all the help you can get to raise your kids. And that includes the support of your kids’ father, whether emotional, psychological, especially financial support. He must support you in raising your children in the best way possible. Should in case he tries to abdicate his responsibility to your kids, you have every right to involve the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). You shouldn’t accept his excuses for not being responsible for the welfare of the kids. In this article, we’ll explain the process of filing for child support and the required documents you’ll need to make your case.
Start a child support case
If your kids father has failed to support you, simply call the social service agency in your town. You can search for contact from the town’s phone book. You can also search online to locate the nearest DCSS Agency in your town. You can file for child support online too. For more information on child support, please visit https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/child-custody.html
Inform your kids’ father
You can inform the father of your children about your intent to file for child support. Telling him about your intention might force him to become responsible for the financial burden of raising your kids. Don’t let him discourage you from involving the DCSS. You’ll need to be strong for your children. To learn more about your right to file for child support, please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/child-support-guidelines
Establish the paternity of your child
You’ll have to officially establish the paternity of your child by conducting a paternity test. The DCSS requires that you have a document that proves that your kids’ father is genuinely their father. Doing a paternity test is necessary to prevent disputes after you’ve started the process of filing for child support. For more information about establishing the paternity of your child, please visit https://childsupport.georgia.gov
Proceed to file a support order
The Federal Child Support Guidelines specify how a child support order is established. Some of the specifications include; income of both parents, the number of children, and the territory of the paying parent. Sometimes other factors are taken into consideration. To get comprehensive information about filing for child support, please visit https://family.findlaw.com/child-support/child-support-guidelines.html
Setting up payment
When a child support order has been put in place, the agreed amount is deducted from the income of the non-custodial parent (NCP). The court could place a standing order on the NCP’s paycheck for the said amount to be immediately deducted. It’s a convenient means of paying for child support as appropriate records are kept. To learn more about setting up payment for child support, please visit https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-pay-child-support
Enforcement of child support order
After the child support order is in place, the non-custodial parent is required by the law to make a payment on the due date. If he disobeys the court order, he will be found in contempt of court. And a contempt action will be filed against him. A non-custodial parent who is guilty may be fined. Legal actions might be taken against him. These actions include any one of the following: deducting child support from his paychecks, workers benefits, unemployment benefits, etc. The non-custodial parent licenses may be revoked or suspended. Sometimes he might be charged to a superior court, and if found guilty, he could be jailed. To know more about enforcing your child’s support order, please visit https://www.masslegalhelp.org/children-and-families/child-support-enforcing
Review of the child support order
As a single mom, you can agree with your kids’ father to review the child support order. A review is done after three years; the order becomes active. You’d both ask the DCSS to consider the order. The request for a review is made in writing, and it should be addressed to the child support office in your town, which is in charge of your case. For more information on how to review your child support order, please visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/css/resource/the-role-of-the-iv-d-agency-and-its-staff-in-delivering-services
Documents You Need To File For Child Support
Before you file for child support, you must understand that it takes time and much effort to get the financial support you need from your kids’ father. So be prepared to show up and keep pushing for the help you need to raise your kids. Here are some of the documents you require to file for child support: You’ll need a valid means of identification like a driver’s license. You’ll need a proof of address like a utility bill, mortgage statement, rent receipt. You’ll also need your kids’ father’s contact information.
Remember also to bring the results of the DNA tests conducted, proof of your income, social security documents for you and your children, proof of expenses you’ve paid for your children’s welfare, a copy of your divorce decree and any other documents you’re advised to bring with you. To learn more about the documents you’ll need, please visit http://guides.dss.gov.au/child-support-guide/2/4/2#costs2016
