Child Support Enforcement / Administrative Support Order
The legal services of the State Attorney’s Office Child Support Enforcement Division are generally provided to the Mother because she sought their legal services or because she is receiving government assistance (such as food stamps) and the Child Support Enforcement Division is requiring her to file a Child Support Case against the Father.
If you have been served with legal papers (a Complaint/Petition for Paternity or a Motion for Contempt), it is important that you take legal action. You may also receive a packet of papers regarding the establishment of an Administrative Support Order (child support established without going to court).
Failure to comply within certain time requirements may have severe consequences both now and in the future. For example, failing to respond to an Administrative Support Order could establish retroactive (back) child support without giving you proper credit for payments made directly to the Mother.
Fathers, if you’re not married to the child’s mother, failing to request a DNA test at your initial hearing establishing child support can prevent you from later disestablishing paternity—even if it is found you’re not the biological father.
The Child Support Enforcement Division only handles the establishment and enforcement of child support orders. If you want to establish parental responsibility or a timesharing schedule with your child(ren), you must file a separate legal action in Family Court.
For additional information or questions regarding child support matters, contact Attorneys at Law Joseph M. Corey, Jr., P.A. at (305) 557-1750 for a FREE consultation. Payment plans available and credit cards accepted.