Fatherhood Issues

Navigating the Child Support System

These tips can help every father:

  • Establish paternity
  • Attend every child support hearing regarding your case.
  • Pay something even when you can’t pay the full amount.
  • Document payments and keep receipts of purchases requested by the mother and paid on your child's behalf.
  • Keep a record of dates and times when you did and did not work, as well as the reasons for not working.
  • Keep copies of all documents from the Department of Social Services (DSS), family court, a clerk of court, attorney or the mother regarding child support and visitation.
  • Do not ignore official correspondence.
  • Contact DSS if you believe you are being harassed by a private child support collection agency.

 

Child Support Enforcement or the family court may consider a reduction in child support if a significant change has occurred in a father's life circumstances.