While sending and receiving child support payments used to be the responsibility of the participating parents, many states have now moved to a system where instead of making direct payments to the payee, the payor pays the state, and then the state pays the payee.This makes it easier to manage your child support payments and eliminates interaction between the ex-spouses for money purposes.
eServices Generally Offered
If your state offers eServices for child support, you can easily track your payments by logging in to a secure government website. Although services vary by state, there are typically a variety of things you can do to make the process of paying or receiving child support easier such as:
- Many of the sites only allow you to see recent past payments within the past few months.
- Non-custodial parents may also be able to make payments online with a credit or debit card.
- Paying parents may be able to store a credit card number, and then would be able to just confirm each month that a withdrawal was made.
- Non-custodial parents can also ensure they are not overpaying by tracking payments online.
- Parents receiving child support can see when payments are made into their accounts.
- Custodial parents may also be able to set up e-mail notifications telling them when a payment is received.
In short, the online system makes it much easier to maintain a record of payments, which allow both parents to prove the receipt of a payment (or lack thereof) should a dispute arise. Not all states have the same features for their child support account online, but many do have similar services. For example, California child support services online allows you to check payments, change your address, request payment history or income verification, and make a payment. Many of the sites also have important resources such agency locations, child support calculators, child support laws, and forms.
What You Need to Open an Account
To start checking your child support payments online, you'll need to set up an account. For many of the websites, you'll need your child support case number and/or social security number. The site also may ask you for a court order number, your name, address and other identifying information.
States with Child Support eServices
The following states offer child support eServices. If you don't live in one of these states, contact your local child support agency or social services.
Managing Your Child Support
Using eServices makes it easy to manage your child support case. Likewise, it can help eliminate conflicts and disputes between parents, which can help minimize stress. If you are party to a child support order, login to your state child support system to establish eServices for your case.
