Applying for child support in Arkansas

Applying for child support in Arkansas involves submitting an application to the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), providing necessary documentation such as proof of income and identification, and following the state’s guidelines for establishing paternity and support orders.

If you live in Arkansas and need to apply for child support, there are two primary routes you can take: applying through the Arkansas Child Support Enforcement (CSE) office or filing directly through the courts. This guide will walk you through both options and provide the steps to get the financial support your child deserves.

Option 1: Applying through the Arkansas Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Office

The Arkansas Child Support Enforcement office helps parents obtain child support, track payments, and enforce support orders. This service is particularly helpful if you are unsure how to begin or if the other parent is uncooperative.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Information

Before applying, you will need certain personal and financial information, including:

• Your personal details (name, address, Social Security number, date of birth).
• The other parent’s personal details (name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, employer information, etc.).
• Information about your child (name, date of birth, custody arrangement).
• Income details for both parents (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.).

Step 2: Complete the Application

To apply for child support, visit the Arkansas Child Support website, where you can access an online application. Alternatively, you can pick up an application at your local CSE office. The form will ask for basic information about your case, including the parents’ details and your child’s information.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Once completed, submit the application either online or by mailing it to the CSE office. If submitting in person, make sure to bring copies of the required documents, such as proof of identity and financial information.

Step 4: Wait for a Response

After submitting your application, the CSE office will review the case. It may take several weeks to process, and they may contact you for additional information or clarification. You will receive notification once they begin the child support process.

Step 5: Court Hearing and Child Support Order

In some cases, a court hearing may be necessary to determine the amount of child support the non-custodial parent must pay. If a hearing is scheduled, the CSE office will provide support and assist in presenting your case in front of a judge. If the judge issues a child support order, it will be enforced by the CSE office.

Step 6: Child Support Collection and Enforcement

Once a support order is issued, the CSE office will begin collecting payments from the non-custodial parent. They use various methods, such as wage garnishment or direct payments. If the non-custodial parent fails to make payments, the CSE office can take enforcement actions, including withholding taxes or suspending their driver’s license.

Option 2: Applying for Child Support Through the Courts

If you prefer to go through the court system instead of the CSE office, you can apply for child support through the family court in your county. This route involves filing a formal petition and going through legal procedures.

Step 1: File a Petition for Child Support

To start, you need to file a petition for child support with the family court in your county. You can obtain the necessary forms from your local courthouse or the Arkansas judiciary website. The petition will ask for details about the child, parents, custody, and any other relevant information.

Step 2: Submit the Petition to the Court

Once the petition is completed, file it with the court clerk’s office, and pay any applicable filing fees. The court will then schedule a hearing to review your case. Make sure to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

Step 3: Serve the Other Parent

After the petition is filed, the other parent must be served with a copy of the petition and a notice of the upcoming hearing. This ensures they are informed of the case and have an opportunity to respond. Service can be done by a process server, sheriff’s deputy, or via mail, depending on local court rules.

Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing

During the court hearing, both parties will present their case, including financial information, custody arrangements, and any other pertinent details. The judge will review the evidence and determine the appropriate amount of child support based on Arkansas guidelines.

Step 5: Receive a Child Support Order

Once the judge makes a decision, a child support order will be issued. The order will specify the amount the non-custodial parent must pay and the payment schedule. If you are the custodial parent, ensure the court order is filed with the appropriate agencies to ensure enforcement.

Step 6: Enforce the Child Support Order

After the order is issued, if the non-custodial parent fails to pay, you can request enforcement through the court. The court may take various actions to collect payments, including wage garnishment, property liens, or even contempt of court charges.

Applying for child support in Arkansas can be done either through the Child Support Enforcement office or by filing directly in court. Each option has its benefits, and you should choose the one that best suits your situation. The CSE office is a helpful resource for those who need assistance with the entire process, while going through the courts may provide more control and direct legal oversight. Either way, it’s important to gather all the required information and follow the appropriate steps to ensure your child receives the support they deserve.

FAQs: Applying for Child Support in Arkansas

1. What is child support, and who can apply for it?

Child support is a legal obligation for the non-custodial parent to provide financial support for their child’s needs, such as housing, food, education, and healthcare. Any custodial parent or legal guardian can apply for child support.

2. How do I know whether to apply through the CSE office or the courts?

• CSE Office: Ideal if you need assistance with the process, enforcement, or if the non-custodial parent is uncooperative.
• Courts: Recommended if you want to directly file and present your case with legal representation or prefer not to involve the CSE office.

3. What documents do I need to apply for child support?

You will typically need:

• Identification for yourself and your child.
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns).
• The other parent’s details (name, employer, Social Security number, etc.).
• Birth certificate or custody documents for the child.

4. Is there a fee for applying for child support?

The Arkansas CSE office charges a one-time application fee of $25 for non-public assistance cases. Filing through the court may involve filing fees, which vary by county.

5. How long does it take to get a child support order?

The time frame depends on the complexity of your case and whether the other parent cooperates. Through the CSE office, it can take several weeks to months. Court cases may take longer, depending on scheduling.

6. What happens if the non-custodial parent refuses to pay?

The CSE office or the court can enforce the child support order through methods such as:

• Wage garnishment.
• Seizing tax refunds.
• Suspending driver’s or professional licenses.
• Filing contempt of court charges.