If you are new to the child support process or you have lingering questions about your child support payments, this blog may be able to provide you with quick answers that can help ease your feelings of uncertainty.
Which agency handles child support collections?
The Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) is the agency responsible for collecting, modifying and enforcing child support orders. They can also help establish paternity for your child support case or locate the other parent to collect child support payments from them.
Can I modify my child support costs?
If your child support is a court order, your “order for modification” request must be filed through the county prosecutor’s office. The DCS will review your request, your supplemental documents and your reason for filing the modification request. Some valid change of circumstances include:
- A change in your or your ex’s income (increase or decrease)
- A change involving your child’s medical and/or educational needs
- A change in the custody order
- A change in parenting time
- A drastic change in one parent’s health (disability or medical condition)
Since each case is unique and assessed individually by the court, the result of your “order for modification” will depend on a range of factors.
What can I do if my ex stops paying for child support?
Since your child support is a court order, the noncustodial parent (your ex) is legally obligated to provide the custodial parent (you) with child support payments. If your ex has stopped sending you their monthly payments, the DCS can help enforce other measures on your behalf.
In this process, the agency will enforce collection of your child support payments by intercepting your ex’s tax refunds, suspending their licenses, denying their loans, and/or charging interest on their arrears.
You and your child will be okay
By gaining insight into the basic child support questions and their answers, you can make informed decisions that can benefit your child’s well-being and aid with your recent change of circumstances.
