What Are My Rights as a Parent Receiving Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation for parents to provide financial support for their children. It is typically ordered by the court as part of a divorce or paternity case. The purpose of child support is to ensure that children have the resources they need to grow and thrive, regardless of their parents' relationship status.

Your Rights As A Parent Receiving Child Support

As a parent receiving child support, you have several rights, including:

• The right to receive child support payments on time and in full. The court order will specify the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent is required to pay, as well as the frequency of payments. You have the right to enforce the court order if the non-custodial parent fails to make payments as ordered.
• The right to have the child support amount reviewed and adjusted as needed. Circumstances can change over time, and the amount of child support that was initially ordered may no longer be appropriate. You have the right to request a review of the child support order if you believe that the amount needs to be adjusted.
• The right to be informed of any changes in the non-custodial parent's income or employment status. The non-custodial parent is required to keep you informed of any changes in their income or employment status that may affect their ability to pay child support. You have the right to receive this information so that you can take appropriate action if necessary.
• The right to seek legal assistance if the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support. If the non-custodial parent fails to make child support payments as ordered, you have the right to take legal action to enforce the court order. This may involve filing a motion with the court or seeking assistance from a child support enforcement agency.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support as ordered, you can take several steps to enforce the court order, including:

• File a motion with the court. You can file a motion with the court to have the non-custodial parent held in contempt of court for failing to pay child support. The court may order the non-custodial parent to pay the back child support, as well as any fees or costs associated with the enforcement action.
• Seek assistance from a child support enforcement agency. Child support enforcement agencies can help you enforce child support orders by taking actions such as garnishing the non-custodial parent's wages or placing a lien on their property.
• File a lawsuit. In some cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the non-custodial parent for breach of contract. This may be an option if the non-custodial parent has agreed to pay child support in a written agreement, such as a separation agreement or parenting plan.

Additional Resources

If you are a parent receiving child support, there are several resources available to help you, including:

• The National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA). The NCSEA is a non-profit organization that provides information and resources to parents receiving child support. You can find more information on the NCSEA website at www.childsupportinfo.org.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS provides information and resources to parents receiving child support through its Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE). You can find more information on the OCSE website at www.acf.hhs.gov/css/.
• Your local child support enforcement agency. Your local child support enforcement agency can provide you with information and assistance in enforcing child support orders. You can find the contact information for your local child support enforcement agency on the NCSEA website.

If you have any questions about your rights as a parent receiving child support, you should consult with an attorney.