How does child support enforcement work?

In Virginia, the Department of Social Services Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) is responsible for enforcing child support orders. DCSE locates non-custodial parents, establishes and collects court-ordered child support payments, and enforces court orders. When a custodial parent requests assistance from DCSE, the agency will locate the non-custodial parent and establish a legal obligation for them to pay the necessary child support. This can be done through a court order, or through an agreement between the parties. The amount of child support owed is determined using a formula that considers the income of both parents, expenses, and other factors. Once an order is in place, DCSE works to enforce the court order and ensure that child support payments are made on time. DCSE might collect child support payments through an income deduction order, which deducts money directly from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck and sends it to the custodial parent. The agency can also take legal action to get the child support payments, such as suspending the non-custodial parent’s drivers license, withholding tax refunds, or denying passports. DCSE also helps custodial parents understand their rights and assists them in collecting overdue payments. The agency can also refer cases to attorneys, if necessary. If you need assistance in enforcing a child support order, contact DCSE for help.

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How does child support enforcement work?

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