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.