If you’re a parent in New York who is owed child support, you may be wondering what steps you can take to enforce a child support order. Fortunately, there are several options available to you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different methods for enforcing child support orders in New York and provide some tips for navigating the process.
Contact the Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU)
The first step in enforcing a child support order is to contact the Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU) in your county. The CSEU is responsible for enforcing child support orders and can help you with a variety of services, including locating the non-custodial parent, establishing paternity, and enforcing child support orders. You can contact the CSEU by phone, mail, or in person.
File a violation petition
If the non-custodial parent is not complying with the child support order, you can file a violation petition with the court. The petition will ask the court to enforce the child support order and may result in the non-custodial parent being held in contempt of court. If the non-custodial parent is found in contempt, they may face fines, jail time, or both.
File a support petition
If there is no child support order in place, you can file a support petition with the court. The petition will ask the court to establish a child support order and may result in the non-custodial parent being required to pay retroactive child support.
Garnish wages
If the non-custodial parent is employed, you can request that their wages be garnished to pay child support. Wage garnishment is a court order that requires the non-custodial parent’s employer to withhold a portion of their paycheck and send it directly to the custodial parent.
Intercept tax refunds
If the non-custodial parent is entitled to a tax refund, the CSEU can intercept the refund and apply it toward the child support owed.
Tips for enforcing child support orders in New York
- Keep accurate records: Keep track of all payments received and missed, as well as any communication with the non-custodial parent.
- Be persistent: Enforcing a child support order can be a lengthy process. Stay in contact with the CSEU and follow up regularly.
- Seek legal advice: If you’re having trouble enforcing a child support order, consider speaking with an attorney who specializes in family law.
- Stay calm: It can be frustrating when the non-custodial parent doesn’t comply with a child support order. However, it’s important to remain calm and follow the proper legal channels to enforce the order.
Use the services of a private child support enforcement agency
If you’re having trouble enforcing a child support order, you may want to consider using the services of a private child support enforcement agency. These agencies can help locate the non-custodial parent, establish paternity, and enforce child support orders. However, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable agency.
Seek help from the court
If the non-custodial parent is still not complying with the child support order, you can request that the court take additional action. The court may order the non-custodial parent to pay a lump sum or may take away their driver’s license or professional license until they comply with the child support order.
Seek help from the Office of Child Support Enforcement
The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) is a federal agency that can help you enforce a child support order. They can assist with locating the non-custodial parent, establishing paternity, and enforcing child support orders. You can contact the OCSE for assistance or speak to your local CSEU to find out how they can help.
Enforcing a child support order in New York can be a complex and challenging process, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your child receives the financial support they need. By contacting the CSEU, filing a violation petition, filing a support petition, garnishing wages, intercepting tax refunds, using the services of a private child support enforcement agency, seeking help from the court, or seeking help from the Office of Child Support Enforcement, you can take action to enforce the child support order. Remember to keep accurate records, stay persistent, seek legal advice if necessary, and stay calm throughout the process. With patience and determination, you can successfully enforce the child support order and provide for your child’s needs.
As legal professionals, at Michael D. Schmitt, ESQ., we can provide assistance with enforcing child support orders in New York cases. We can offer legal advice, represent our clients in court, negotiate with the other party, communicate with the CSEU, and provide legal representation for non-custodial parents who are having trouble complying with a child support order. Our goal is to help our clients navigate the complex legal process, ensure that their rights are protected, and achieve a successful outcome. Whether you’re a custodial or non-custodial parent, we can provide the guidance and representation you need to enforce a child support order in New York.
We understand that enforcing child support orders can be a challenging and emotionally charged process. We strive to provide our clients with compassionate and responsive legal services, and we work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals. Our team has the knowledge, experience, and dedication necessary to handle all aspects of child support enforcement cases, from filing petitions to representing clients in court.
If you’re struggling to enforce a child support order in New York, we encourage you to reach out to us for help. We can assess your situation, provide legal guidance, and develop a strategy to help you achieve your goals. We understand the importance of financial support for your children, and we’re committed to helping you enforce your rights and secure the support your children deserve.
In addition to providing legal assistance, we also offer support and guidance to our clients throughout the enforcement process. We keep our clients informed about their cases, answer their questions promptly, and provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions. Our approach is client-focused, and we always strive to ensure that our clients feel supported and empowered throughout their case.
If you need help enforcing a child support order in New York, we are here to help. Our legal team has the experience, knowledge, and dedication necessary to handle all aspects of child support enforcement cases. We understand the challenges you may be facing, and we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help and support.