If you are the recipient of child support and move to a different state with your child, registering out of state orders for child support can be challenging. Fortunately, this guide is here to help make it easier for you. It helps first to know that Title IV-D of the Social Security Act requires every U.S. state to have a child support program, sometimes referred to as the IV-D program. If you receive services from your local child support office, your child support case is an IV-D case. Read on to learn about the IV-D registration process for in and out of state orders for child support.
Full IV-D Registration Process for Out of State Orders for Child Support
Full IV-D registration requires submitting a completed application form, proof of age and paternity tests (if you were not married to the other parent), verification of social security numbers, and an official child support order from another state. The child support order must be for a child who lives in the state where you are applying for services and must have been issued within the last 60 days. The order must have both parents’ names and social security numbers, the child’s name, date of birth, and the amount of child support due.
If the order is for a child for whom both parents are legally responsible, you must prove that the other parent is financially responsible. This can be done by submitting a certified copy of the other parent’s most recent tax return with their name and SSN indicated clearly. If the other parent is self-employed or a contractor, you will need to provide a copy of their business license or tax return. Suppose the other parent is unemployed, a non-tax filer, or receiving social security or other government benefits. In that case, you will need to submit a copy of their most recent award letter or a letter from the agency stating the amount and frequency of the payment.
Partial IV-D Registration Process for Out of State Orders for Child Support
A partial IV-D registration may be necessary when a state’s Child Support Enforcement agency is not a party to the action. The application form indicates that this is a “partial” application. You will need to provide proof that there is an order for child support in another state that names both parents and the child and the amount of child support due.
State-to-State Electronic Registration
State-to-State electronic registration is the most accessible means of registering out of state orders for child support. It can be done directly online by the person seeking child support services in the state where the order was initially issued. If the person seeking assistance has a Social Security number and the other parent’s social security number, those are the only things needed to confirm the order. If not, you will also need the names and birthdates of the children, the amount of child support due, the name of the current employer, and the obligor’s income (the person required to pay child support). If the obligor is self-employed or a contractor, you must provide a signed and dated letter stating their name, address, and income or a signed and dated income tax return. Suppose the obligor is unemployed, a non-tax filer, or receiving government benefits. In that case, you will need to submit a copy of their most recent award letter or a letter from the agency stating the amount and frequency of the payment.
Bottom line
Regardless of which process is used, out of state orders for child support must be confirmed by the state Child Support Enforcement agency in the state where you are applying for services to be effective. If a valid order exists, they will approve it within 10 days. If it cannot be confirmed, they will notify you within 10 days and explain why. If you are applying for services in a state other than where the orders were issued, you must provide an affidavit as described below.
Registering an order where you don’t live
If you live in one state and the other parent and child live in another, then the state where you live will generally not be able to register out of state orders for child support. In this case, you will need to go to the state where the child and other parent lives and file the orders with their state’s Child Support Enforcement agency. If the other parent is receiving public assistance (i.e., TANF, Medicaid, or food stamps), the general assistance caseworker will be able to help you register your order. Otherwise, you can find the contact information for the local Child Support Enforcement office and call or visit in person to get the necessary information to proceed.
Conclusion
Filing and registering out of state orders for child support can be challenging. However, it is an important step that will ensure that the child receives the financial support to which they are entitled.
Whipple Mercado Can Help
Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions about in or out of state orders for child support. You can contact us using our form here or calling 925-344-5050 x3. We look forward to helping you.