How long will it take to establish or modify a support order?
Each case is different, with its own set of facts and circumstances. Most of our processes are handled administratively (outside of court) and take a minimum of 90 days. If hearings are requested, a party is difficult to serve, or if paternity testing is requested it can take up to six months or longer.

What happens if the non-custodial parent will not pay support?
Our office utilizes various tools to collect support, including:

• Wage Withholding
• State and Federal Tax Refund Intercepts
• Credit Bureau Reporting
• Unemployment and Worker's Compensation Withholding
• Bank Garnishments
• License Suspension
• Administrative and Judicial Enforcement, including Judgment Debtor Examinations and Contempt of Court, as appropriate.

Will the non-custodial parent go to jail for not paying support?
Our goal is to collect support. We would prefer to have parents living in the community and working towards paying their support obligations. Only the court has the authority to impose a jail sentence when appropriate.

How long before I get my first support check?
When an Administrative Order to Withhold is sent there is a follow-up done by the enforcing agency 45 days later. The case is reviewed for payments and if money has not been received contact is made with the employer.

What can I do to help expedite my case?

• Notify us of any change of your address and phone number. Also the address and phone number of the other party.
• Contact us if payments are made directly to you instead of through the Child Support Accounting Unit.
• Provide all the information you have about the non-custodial parent
• When requested provide copies of all support orders. Signed copies are preferable and are required for some processes.
• Keep our office advised of any legal proceedings or orders that are taken on your case through a private attorney.
• Advise our office if your child becomes self-supporting, joins the military, marries, changes custody, is adopted, or dies.