by Sam E. Jones

Created on: July 07, 2010

The process of getting child support payments from someone who is obligated to pay child support in Indiana, is very similar to the process in most other states. Before filing, be aware that only a custodial parent can request child support, and only someone that is or has been a child’s legal guardian or parent can be made to pay. Also, it should be noted that most of the time, child support is decided during divorce proceedings, and if the non-custodial parent pays the support due, no further action is necessary. It’s only when they refuse or don’t pay the amount specified that issues arise and action needs to be taken.

The process itself is relatively straightforward; the person requesting child support payments must go to a Child Support Division office, Social Services Department of the State of Indiana and pick up an application which they must fill out. The person then schedules an appointment with a representative from the Child Support Division; appointments are between 9am and 3pm Monday through Friday.

The person requesting child support must then show up for their meeting with the person from Child Support Division, pay a $25.00 fee, and provide the following:

Regarding the non-custodial parent: Social security number, date and place of birth, copy of the hospital paternity affidavit, a physical description, current address and employer, photograph (if available), and information regarding the parents of the father in applicable cases.

Also, regarding the child: Social Security Number, date and place of birth (Birth Certificate)

Also needed (if applicable): Divorce decree, support order or paternity documents, current copy of pay record from clerk's office, record of cash, gifts, or support paid directly to custodial parent.

In short, the person filing for child support must bring everything pertaining to the situation.

At the conclusion of the meeting the Child Support Division representative will let the petitioner know if they have a valid case; if so, action will be taken by the Child Support Division in conjunction with the State’s Attorney’s office and law enforcement officials.

Child support payments are enforced through mandatory payroll deductions or in some cases through seizure of assets and in some extreme cases, through threats of punishment that can include fines or imprisonment. And it should be noted that child support payments are to be made through the county clerk’s office rather than directly to the custodial parent to ensure proper record keeping and to avoid disputes.

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