Child support is a crucial aspect of divorce and separation cases involving children. It is a legal obligation for non-custodial parents to provide financial support for their children, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences. In Maricopa County, AZ, child support is handled by the Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). As an expert in family law, I have seen many cases where tracking child support payments and balances can become a complicated and frustrating process.
In this article, I will discuss the ways in which child support payments and balances can be tracked in Maricopa County, AZ.
The Role of DCSS in Child Support
The DCSS is responsible for establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders in Maricopa County. They work closely with the court system to ensure that child support orders are fair and reasonable. Once a child support order is established, the DCSS is responsible for collecting and distributing payments to the custodial parent. One of the main functions of the DCSS is to track child support payments and balances. They keep detailed records of all payments made by the non-custodial parent, as well as any outstanding balances.This information is crucial for both parents to have a clear understanding of their financial obligations.
Ways to Track Child Support Payments
There are several ways in which child support payments can be tracked in Maricopa County. The most common methods include:- Online Portal: The DCSS has an online portal where both parents can access information about their child support case. This portal allows parents to view payment history, current balances, and any upcoming court dates. It is a convenient and efficient way to track child support payments.
- Phone: The DCSS has a toll-free number that parents can call to inquire about their child support case.
They can provide information about payment history, balances, and any other questions or concerns.
- Mail: The DCSS sends out monthly statements to both parents, detailing the amount of child support paid and any outstanding balances. This is a useful way to keep track of payments, especially for those who prefer paper records.
Enforcing Child Support Payments
Unfortunately, there are cases where the non-custodial parent fails to make child support payments as ordered by the court. In these situations, the custodial parent can request enforcement actions from the DCSS. Some of the enforcement methods used by the DCSS include:- Income Withholding: This is the most common method of enforcing child support payments.
The DCSS can work with the non-custodial parent's employer to deduct child support payments directly from their paycheck.
- Liens and Levies: The DCSS can place a lien on the non-custodial parent's property or bank account to collect past-due child support payments.
- Suspension of Licenses: The DCSS can suspend the non-custodial parent's driver's license, professional license, or passport if they fail to make child support payments.
Modifying Child Support Orders
In some cases, circumstances may change, and a modification of the child support order may be necessary. This could be due to a change in income, job loss, or a change in custody arrangements. In Maricopa County, either parent can request a modification of the child support order through the DCSS. The DCSS will review the case and make a recommendation to the court for a modification if deemed necessary.Importance of Tracking Child Support Payments
Tracking child support payments and balances is crucial for both parents.For the custodial parent, it ensures that they are receiving the financial support they are entitled to for their children. For the non-custodial parent, it provides a record of payments made and any outstanding balances. It also helps to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes between the parents. Furthermore, tracking child support payments can also be beneficial in cases where the non-custodial parent is not making payments as ordered by the court. It provides evidence of non-compliance, which can be used to enforce payments or modify the child support order.
In Conclusion
In Maricopa County, AZ, tracking child support payments and balances is essential for both parents involved in a child support case.The DCSS plays a crucial role in this process, providing various methods for parents to access information about their case. It is important for both parents to stay informed about their financial obligations and to communicate with each other and the DCSS if any issues arise. As an expert in family law, I highly recommend that both custodial and non-custodial parents take advantage of the resources provided by the DCSS to track child support payments and balances. It can help to ensure that children receive the financial support they need and deserve.
