Locate the Other Parent.
If you have lost contact with the other parent, Child Support Services may be able to help. To ensure that children are supported by both parents, Child Support Services can access resources that may provide information about where the other parent lives or works. If the other parent agrees, we can share information with you.
Establish a Legal Bond Between Your Child and His or Her Father.
If you were not married to the other parent when your child was born, a legal bond may not yet exist between your child and his or her father. This legal bond, called paternity, is necessary to establish a child support obligation and benefits children in many other ways. Child Support Services can help establish legal fatherhood. If you are not sure who is the father, genetic testing is available.
Establish Child Support Obligations.
If you do not have a child support order, we can help you with the legal process to get one. Child support obligations are based on Idaho Supreme Court Guidelines. These guidelines take into account each parent’s income and how many children they support. There are some fees for legal services, but these services are generally provided for less than hiring a private attorney.
Make Sure Child Support is Paid.
Once a child support order exists, Child Support Services can help make sure it is followed. Child Support Services has access to information about parents’ income and assets and may take actions such as withholding income, intercepting tax refunds, suspending licenses, or reporting debts to credit agencies.
Child Support Services works with parents who want to pay child support but are having financial difficulties by helping them improve job skills and earning power.
Make Sure Medical Support is Provided.
Providing medical insurance coverage is another part of raising children. Child Support Services can enroll children on a parent’s medical insurance policy if the parent was ordered to provide medical coverage.
Get a Child Support Order Changed.
Sometimes, a family’s situation changes so much that an existing child support order needs to be changed. Anytime after your child support order is three years old, you can ask Child Support Services to review it and determine whether it should be modified to better reflect your family’s current situation. If so, Child Support Services can help you through the process.