Child support is crucial for the financial stability of children who do not live with both parents. However, locating the non-custodial parent, especially the father, can be challenging to establish paternity and start the child support process. In this article, we will explore how child support can find the father, the legal requirements, and the steps involved.
Introduction
When a child’s parents are not living together, the parent who lives with the child may need financial support from the other parent. Child support is a legal obligation, and parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. However, before child support can be established, paternity must be confirmed.
Legal Requirements for Child Support and Paternity
To obtain child support, the custodial parent must first establish paternity. Paternity is the legal establishment of a father and child relationship. Once paternity is established, the court can order the non-custodial parent to pay child support. In most states, if the parents were not married at the time of the child’s birth, paternity must be established before child support can be ordered.
Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity can be done in several ways. If the parents are married at the time of the child’s birth, the husband is presumed to be the father. However, if the parents are unmarried, the mother must establish paternity before child support can be ordered. This can be done by:
- Signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity form
- Going to court and obtaining a court order for paternity testing
Obtaining Information from the Mother
If the father’s whereabouts are unknown, the child support agency can obtain information from the mother. The agency can ask the mother for the father’s name, address, social security number, and other identifying information. The agency can also request information from the mother about the father’s family, friends, and employment.
Searching Public Records
Child support agencies have access to public records that can help locate the non-custodial parent. These records include the following:
- Birth and death records
- Marriage and divorce records
- Property records
- Driver’s license records
- Criminal records
- Military Records
Using Technology and Social Media
In today’s digital age, technology, and social media can be valuable tools for locating the non-custodial parent. Child support agencies can use social media to search for the non-custodial parent’s profile, friends, and family. They can also use technology to search public databases and online directories for information on the non-custodial parent.
Hiring a Private Investigator
If all other methods fail, the custodial parent can hire a private investigator to locate the non-custodial parent. Private investigators have access to databases and resources unavailable to the general public. They can also conduct surveillance and gather the information that can be used to locate the non-custodial parent.
Conclusion
Establishing paternity and locating the non-custodial parent can be challenging, but it is essential for obtaining child support. Child support agencies have several methods to locate the non-custodial parent, including obtaining information from the mother, searching public records, using technology and social media, and hiring a private investigator. By using these methods, child support agencies can ensure that children receive the financial support they need.
FAQs
Can child support locate the father? Child support agencies have several methods to locate the non-custodial parent, including obtaining information from the mother, searching public records, using technology and social media, and hiring a private investigator.
Can paternity be established after the child is born?
Yes, paternity can be established anytime after the child is born.
What happens if the non-custodial parent refuses to pay child support?
If the non-custodial parent refuses to pay child support, the custodial parent can file a motion with the court to enforce the child support order. The court can order the non-custodial parent to pay child support and can take steps to enforce the order, such as wage garnishment or withholding tax refunds.
Can the custodial parent receive child support if the non-custodial parent is not located?
Child support cannot be ordered until the non-custodial parent is located and paternity is established.
Can the non-custodial parent dispute paternity?
Yes, the non-custodial parent can dispute paternity by going to court and requesting a DNA test. If the DNA test proves that the non-custodial parent is not the biological father, the court can dismiss the paternity case, and the non-custodial parent will not be ordered to pay child support.
In conclusion, locating the non-custodial parent, especially the father, is crucial for establishing paternity and starting the child support process. Child support agencies have several methods to locate the non-custodial parent, including obtaining information from the mother, searching public records, using technology and social media, and hiring a private investigator. Using these methods, child support agencies can ensure that children receive the financial support they need, and custodial parents can provide for their children’s well-being.
