FAQs • Clark County DJFS, OH • CivicEngage

Do I have to use the services of the child support agency that issued my order?: The obligee may choose to work with his or her local CSEA or work directly with the state that issued the order. To avoid confusion, the obligee should choose one or the other—not both. Some states will only communicate directly with the initiating state if the obligee chooses to apply for child support services with the local CSEA.

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Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions

1. What if I have a case with more than 1 order in different states?: Contact your local CSEA. A review of all orders will be conducted and a controlling order will be determined.

2. Can I get a child support order modified when one or both parties no longer live in the state that issued the order?: Either party can seek a modification of an order issued in another state. Procedures vary by case. Contact the CSEA for more information.

3. How do I get my child support order enforced if one or both parties no longer live in the state that issued the order?: Enforcement action may include (but is not limited to) the issuance of an income withholding order or administrative and legal action for noncompliance. When an income source is located for an obligor who resides in another state, the state that issued the support order may send a direct income withholding order to this source. If it becomes necessary to take administrative or legal action against the obligor, the obligee may either work directly with the state that issued the support order or contact his or her local CSEA to initiate action with CSEA in the obligor’s state of residence.

4. Do I have to use the services of the child support agency that issued my order?: The obligee may choose to work with his or her local CSEA or work directly with the state that issued the order. To avoid confusion, the obligee should choose one or the other—not both. Some states will only communicate directly with the initiating state if the obligee chooses to apply for child support services with the local CSEA.

5. How long will services take if we work with another state?: This varies depending on what action is necessary. If an interstate request is made for enforcement of another state’s order—and legal action is needed—it may take several months for the case to reach court. Your local CSE will closely monitor the status to assure timely action is taken.

6. I have been served to appear at a hearing in another state. Am I required to appear in person?: Some states allow testimony by telephone. This pertains to administrative hearings held at CSEA as well. If you are scheduled to appear at an out-of-state hearing, please contact CSEA as to whether telephone testimony is permitted.

7. I disagree with the outcome of the hearing results rendered by another state. How do I object?: If you dispute the amount of support ordered or have another issue, an appeal may be possible. You must communicate concerns immediately to CSEA. There are time limits to filing an objection.

8. My out-of-state order permits standard visitation. I have now moved to Ohio and am being denied visitation. Can the CSEA help me?: Visitation issues cannot be addressed by the CSEA in interstate actions and are not a defense for non-payment of support.