Navigating the Child Support System - Upstate Fatherhood Coalition

These tips can help every father:

Establish paternity
Attend every child support hearing regarding your case.
Pay something even when you can’t pay the full amount.
Document payments and keep receipts of purchases requested by the mother and paid on your child's behalf.
Keep a record of dates and times when you did and did not work, as well as the reasons for not working.
Keep copies of all documents from the Department of Social Services (DSS), family court, a clerk of court, attorney, or the mother regarding child support and visitation.
Do not ignore official correspondence.
Contact DSS if you believe you are being harassed by a private child support collection agency.

What if you can’t pay your child support?

Pay something toward their child support commitment to show a good faith effort.
Immediately take steps to address a payment shortfall with Child Support Enforcement (CSE) or family court before payments fall too far behind.

Child Support Enforcement or the family court may consider a reduction in child support if a significant change has occurred in a father's life circumstances.