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1. Can my CSEA help me get support if the non-custodial parent lives in another state?

Yes. Your CSEA can ask that your child support case be pursued by the state where the non-custodial parent lives. Every state must provide the same child support services for the children who live outside that state as for children who live within it. However, these cases often take longer than in-state cases. States can use a variety of processes to set up or enforce child support orders when a child's parents live in 2 different states. These processes are part of the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (URESA).

2. Why should I go to a CSEA when I know the non-custodial parent can't pay?

Even if a non-custodial parent can't pay right now, this could change in the future. If the non-custodial parent isn't working right now, your CSEA can get a court order requiring that parent to find a job. Also, your CSEA can help make sure your child has access to any other money, such as inheritances or lottery winnings. Income from a job isn't the only source of child support.

3. Why should I go to a CSEA if I've already worked it out with the non-custodial parent to help support the child?

Even if the 2 of you have worked out a payment arrangement for now, this could change. You want to make sure all future child support is paid in full. And, if the non-custodial parent should die, you would want to make sure your child has a legal right to support from any estate.

4. What if the non-custodial parent is in the military? Or in college? Or in jail?

If the non-custodial parent is in the military, the CSEA can have child support taken from his or her wages. If the parent is in college or jail, a support order could be sought. When the parent gets a job after graduating from college or being released from jail, the CSEA can collect for the current amount due, and for any arrearage that has built up.

5. Do you have to be the child's parent to get CSEA services?

No, but you must be a legal guardian of the child involved in the case. Also, confidentiality laws do not allow a CSEA to share certain information with anyone other than the parent or legal guardian in the case.

6. Do I have to keep paying child support if the custodial parent won't let me visit my child?

Yes. Child support and visitation are 2 separate issues. If you stop paying support because you don't get to visit your child, you will build up an arrearage. You will also be in violation of a support order and could be prosecuted. For help with your visitation right, contact a private attorney.

7. Who can get help from a CSEA?

If you get public assistance, you MUST work with your CSEA to get any support due your child. Your CSEA gives this help free. Families who do not get public assistance can still get help from a CSEA by applying for services. Some CSEAs charge families who do not get public assistance a $1 fee for this help.

8. Can my CSEA help me with visitation or other problems?

Your CSEA can't get involved in matters of visitation or custody. Your CSEA also can't collect divorce property settlements, collect on medical bills, locate missing children, act as your private attorney, or represent you in any way outside its authority.

9. How can I be an effective partner with my CSEA?

Be prepared. Your CSEA worker needs your help to get information for your case. For each parent of a child, your CSEA worker will need to know:

• Name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
• Name and address of current or most recent employer.
• Any information on income, such as pay stubs or tax returns.
• Any information on assets, such as bank accounts, investments, or property holdings.

Your CSEA worker will need information to help located a parent who is missing such as:

• The name and addresses of the parent's friends and relatives.
• The names and addresses of any organizations to which the parent belongs.
• Any other information that might help locate the parent.

Your CSEA worker will also need:

• Copies of your children's birth certificates.
• Copies of your divorce decree or separation agreement.
• Any court orders or administrative orders you may have.

Your CSEA worker might also need other information, depending on the type of services you are asking for from your CSEA.

Be in touch. You are the best source of information on your child support case. If you are the custodial parent, you can give your worker valuable information about the non-custodial parent. If you are the non-custodial parent, let the CSEA worker know of changes in your situation that may affect your ability to pay support. Staying in touch with your CSEA helps you.

Be informed. Learn all you can about child support. Know your right and responsibilities and exercise them. You may want to contact an advocacy group for help.

Be patient. Due to the number of cases handled by CSEAs, there may be a delay in collecting your support. These delays are often caused by problems outside the control of the CSEA.