All states have a child support enforcement program. The program is mandated by the Federal government and requires the states to track and enforce all Child Support Orders, regardless of whether the parties agreed to the Order without going to court, or had a hotly contested child support suit.
The enforcement is usually carried out by the State Department of Human Resources, the Department of Revenue, or the State Attorney General’s Office. In all cases the department is assisted by the state or county prosecuting attorneys. In some cases the law enforcement agencies can be involved as well as family and domestic courts.
The Federal Government has established the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. This program was created to help all families retain some semblance of domestic life and dignity. Even the poorest families are able to stick together through this program. The state services for divorced parents are automatically available for families that have previously qualified for TANF.
Such state services help the “custodial parent” as well as the “non-custodial parent.” The states try to work with families to create the best atmosphere for your child or children. Not only is the state concerned for the children’s education, health, and future, but the state also wants to ensure that you are confident in a steady employment, housing, health, etc.
For “custodial parents” the services will help locate the “non-custodial parent,” establish paternity, get a support order, and collect support payments.
For “non-custodial parents” the services will help establish paternity, help regulate employee wage withholding, and help amend the support order for changed circumstances.
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