How does child support enforcement work?

Child support enforcement in Pennsylvania works to ensure that children who are owed financial support from their non-custodial parent receive their benefits. When a parent or custodian applies for assistance from the Department of Human Services, the state will initiate an order of support. This order is legally binding and requires the non-custodial parent to pay the required amount of child support to the custodial parent each month. The state will then monitor the payments made by the non-custodial parent to ensure that they are being made on time and in full. If payments are late or not made at all, the state will take steps to ensure that the payments are made. These steps may include wage garnishment, suspension of driver’s licenses or other professional licenses, interception of tax refunds or other financial records, and even jail time. Additionally, if a parent is behind in payments, the state may also provide assistance to help that parent catch up on missed payments. This can include arranging a payment plan or offering financial counseling. Child support enforcement is essential in ensuring that children receive the financial support they need to grow and thrive. It helps to ensure that non-custodial parents provide for their children and also encourages custodial parents to stay in contact with the non-custodial parent, helping to maintain healthy relationships.

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How does child support enforcement work?

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