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When seeking assistance with child support matters, custodial parents often find themselves navigating a complex process, and the Custodial Party Child Support Application form serves as a crucial starting point. This form, designed for parents looking to establish or modify child support arrangements, lays out key requirements and necessary documentation for the child support services (CSS) office. Applicants will need to provide a variety of information—ranging from basic personal identification to legal documents like birth certificates and court orders. Safety is a major consideration in this process; for those affected by family violence, there are special provisions that can help protect sensitive information from being disclosed. Additionally, the form outlines the services provided by CSS, including the establishment of support orders and payment collection methods. Completing this application correctly can help ensure a smoother experience, although it is essential to remember that the responsibility lies with the applicant to provide all required documentation and keep CSS informed of any changes that may affect the case. With a non-refundable application fee, this form initiates a vital process in seeking financial support for children, emphasizing both accountability and safety as fundamental pillars of the child support system.

Custodial Party Child Support Application Example

APPLICATION FOR CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES (CSS)

___________________________________County

For Office Use Only: Date Sent ______/ ______/

Date Received ______/ ______/

Fee paid by: CP NCP County CSS

Important Security Information

We share your address and other identifying information with other state and federal agencies only for child support reasons. The information you provide may become available to the other parent. Contact us immediately if the following conditions exist:

Your case information should not be given out because of family violence.

oConfidentiality laws protect all information provided to CSS. CSS offices throughout the United States and some countries have access to this information through State and Federal Child Support Case Registries. If family/domestic violence is an issue, you must alert CSS to further safeguard this information.

Going through the child support process poses a threat to you or your child (ren).

oIf you have concerns about you or your child (ren)'s safety, there are some protections available in the child support process. Please let your county worker know about your concerns. If you have concerns for you or your child (ren)’s safety, please complete the last page of this application: Request for Nondisclosure of Personal Information.

GETTING STARTED

A $20.00 non-refundable application fee (check, money order or exact cash if applying in person) is required to process this application. Please do not mail cash. If you have applied for or are receiving TANF this fee may not be required.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

To start the process, please supply the following legal documents:

1.One (1) application for each non-custodial/custodial parent

2.Copy of a state-issued birth certificate and social security card for each child

3.Copy of personal identification (i.e. driver’s license)

4.A photo of the other parent, if available; it will be returned to you

5.Verification of your income (i.e. pay stubs, tax returns)

6.Copy of Marriage Certificate (if not available, supply date of marriage and/or other evidence of marital status)

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7.Copy of Court Order(s) signed by a judge or magistrate (if not available supply date, county, state of filing and court case number):

o Petition and/or Divorce Decree and/or Separation Agreement o Paternity Orders

o Certified Copy of Child and/or Spousal Support Order o All modified orders

o Allocation of Parental Responsibility Orders o Probate Orders

o Dependency and Neglect Orders o Adoption Orders

o Orders Terminating Parental Rights

8.Complete payment records of all support paid to the custodial party directly, through court or a state disbursement unit

9.Are you related to anyone working in the county Department of Human Services offices? No:___ Yes:____ If yes, who:_______________

Note: Your application may be delayed if you do not provide the necessary documentation.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY CSS

CSS is authorized by law to provide the following services:

1.Establish child/medical support orders and paternity

2.Modify child/medical support orders

3.Enforce child/medical support orders, including spousal maintenance when combined with child support

4.Process payments through the Family Support Registry (FSR); once an FSR account number is assigned to you, you will be able to register on the CSS website (www.childsupport.state.co.us) to view your account information online

5.Collect past due child support from the non-custodial parent’s federal and state tax refunds and lottery winnings

6.Collect past due child support from the non-custodial parent through other enforcement remedies

7.Ask another state’s child support agency to establish, modify or enforce an order on our behalf.

CSS has authority to hold an IRS joint tax refund prior to release of funds for up to six months. Interest will not be paid on funds that are held.

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HOW WE WORK TOGETHER

Please read and initial each of the following statements. By initialing each statement, you understand and agree:

CSS represents the People of the State of Colorado. No attorney-client relationship or privilege exists between either party or the CSS staff.

CSS does not handle parental responsibility (custody), parenting time (visitation) or property settlement. Your county may have additional resources to address those issues. Please ask your county worker.

CSS will not accept the Application for Services if all the children associated with the applicant are emancipated.

CSS will not enforce maintenance once current child support ends.

CSS determines the appropriate actions to be used when providing services.

If there is a change that could cause an adjustment to the amount of the order (e.g. financial, medical, etc.), a modification may be initiated by the department or by any one of the parties.

A written request from the applicant to stop CSS services may be made. However, if you are receiving TANF or assigned arrears are owed, the case may remain open. CSS may also close your case by using criteria established by current state and federal regulations (e.g. not being able to locate you, you do not supply a forwarding address, you do not provide required documents to take the next step to work your case, etc.).

CSS will provide to the applicant a yearly statement that summarizes the amount of child support that has been collected. I have an opportunity to receive the information through electronic means, if I choose to do so.

Each individual county determines optional services. Inquire about services available in the county of application.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

You are the best source of information regarding the other party. The information you provide may help in the progress of your case. There may be a delay in the progress of your case due to lack of information and/or involvement with another state.

You are required to cooperate with CSS in the processing of your case. Failure to do so may result in case closure.

If you are a caretaker/relative (e.g. grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, stepparent, etc.) you

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are required to open a child support case against both biological parents. CSS will not close only one of the two cases against the biological parents at your request.

You may be required to complete and sign an affidavit agreeing to the amount of child support arrears owed (if there is a current child support order).

If you have special needs or need special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you must contact the county of application.

You must notify the CSS office in writing if any of the following changes occur. Failure to do so may affect your child support payments or medical support payments.

1.Change to your legal name, residence/mailing address, telephone or contact numbers, place of employment, or health insurance or if you know of changes about the other party.

2.If child support payments are made directly to the custodial party instead of through the FSR.

3.If a child no longer lives with the custodial party due to emancipation or child goes to live with the other parent or caretaker.

4.If parenting time (visitation) changes for longer than one month.

5.If you retain a private attorney or private collection agency regarding child support, parenting time (visitation) or parental responsibility (custody).

6.If an action has been filed with a court that CSS was not involved with (e.g. separation, divorce, parental responsibility, etc.).

If a payment is sent in error or is unfunded (i.e. bounced check), it is your responsibility to pay back the unfunded amount. You may repay in full or CSS will deduct 10% or $10.00 (whichever is greater) from each payment received until the balance is paid in full. The non-custodial parent will still owe the unfunded amount.

Once a Family Support Registry (FSR) account number has been assigned, sending or receiving direct payment may result in case closure. The FSR is the central payment processing center for Colorado.

The provision of your Social Security Number (SSN) is mandatory (§42 U.S.C. 666(a) (13)). However, if you do not have a SSN, your application for services will not be denied. SSNs are used by the CSS Program to locate individuals to establish paternity or support obligations, modify and enforce support obligations and to distribute child support payments.

Please note:

Arrears owed to the custodial party are before TANF arrears are paid to the State of Colorado, unless there is a federal tax intercept.

Federal law requires CSS to withhold $25.00 one time each year from the child support collected on a non-public assistance case, if over $500.00 is collected during the year.

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Are you applying for help with any of the following issues (please check all that apply): Modify your child support amount_______ Change parent with physical care______

DNA testing for multiple alleged fathers_____ Collection of alimony/maintenance______

Print Legal Name:

Signature of applicant: _____________________________________ Date:____________________

For more child support information and additional forms you may visit our website at: www.childsupport.state.co.us

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APPLICANT INFORMATION

Relationship to

Mother

Father

Other, explain

the child(ren):

 

 

 

Legal Name:

Last

First

Middle

Maiden/Other

Social Security # or ITIN #:

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth:

 

Gender:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of Birth:

City

 

State

 

 

 

 

County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residence

Street

 

Apt/unit

 

City

 

 

State

 

Zip

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing

Street

 

Apt/unit

 

City

 

 

State

 

Zip

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(if different)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact

 

Home

Cell

 

Work

 

Email address:

 

 

Numbers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would you like to opt into receive text

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

messages concerning your case?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emergency contact (if you can’t be reached)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

Street

 

Apt/unit

 

 

 

City

 

State

 

Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer and or Union

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

Street

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

State

 

Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupation/Trade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is it ok to contact you at work? Yes

Work Schedule:

 

 

 

 

 

 

or No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What was the situation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Leading up to custody)?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there an attorney involved in this

Yes

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

case?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If yes, Attorney’s Information:

Address

 

 

 

City

 

State

 

Zip

Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Have the children ever received public

 

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

assistance?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes: what type was

 

 

 

TANF

 

 

Medicaid

 

 

 

 

Foster Care

 

 

received?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What County/State?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Begin Date:

 

 

 

 

End Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are the mother, are you pregnant

 

If yes, what is the due date?

 

 

now?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If yes, Who is the father of the expected child?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER PARENT INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relationship to the

 

 

Mother

 

Father

 

 

Possible Father (paternity NOT

child(ren):

 

 

 

 

 

established)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Parent Deceased?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Name:

 

 

Last

 

First

 

 

Middle

 

 

Maiden/Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Security # or ITIN #:

 

Date of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

Gender

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place of Birth:

 

City

 

State

 

 

 

 

 

County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current or last

 

Street

 

Apt/unit

 

City

 

State

 

Zip

known Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing Address

 

Street

 

Apt/unit

 

City

 

State

 

Zip

(if different)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Numbers

 

Home

 

Work

 

Cell

 

Email address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emergency contact (if other parent can’t be

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reached)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

Street

 

Apt/unit

 

 

City

 

State

 

Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current or last

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

known employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and or Union

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

Street

 

City

 

 

 

 

State

Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Occupation/Trade

Physical Description: Height:

 

 

 

Weight:

 

 

Hair Color:

 

 

Eye Color:

Identifying Marks (scars, tattoos,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

piercings)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Race: Caucasian

 

African American

Hispanic

 

 

Asian

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Prison:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which facility:

 

 

 

 

Date of release:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently or previously

 

 

 

 

 

DOC #

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the military:

 

 

 

 

 

Branch of Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are they disabled?

 

 

 

 

 

If yes, do they receive SSI?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List any assets they may have: i.e. Real estate, bank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounts, license to work a profession(plumber,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

electrician)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List any vehicles(model, make, year, color)

Driver’s License Number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other parent’s

 

Name/Maiden Name

Address

 

 

 

 

 

Phone

mother’s information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Parent’s

 

Name

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

Phone

Father’s information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List any other biological Child(ren)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child(ren)’s other biological

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

parent:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there any other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

information that will help us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

locate the other parent?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does the other parent have

 

If yes, Name:

 

 

Address

 

 

 

Phone #:

an attorney: Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CHILD (REN)’S INFORMATION

 

Child 1

Child 2

Child 3

Legal Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gender (M or F)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Security Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City & State of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State or County of

 

 

 

Conception

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who are listed as the Parents

 

 

 

on the Birth Certificate?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child Support Order #, County

 

 

 

and State

 

 

 

 

Child 4

Child 5

Child 6

Legal Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gender (M or F)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Security Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City & State of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State or County of

 

 

 

Conception

 

 

 

Who are listed as the Parents

 

 

 

on the Birth Certificate?

 

 

 

Child Support Order #, County

 

 

 

and State

 

 

 

PARENT OF THE APPLICATION, RELATIONSHIP STATUS

 

Were the Parents of the child (ren) ever married to one another?

If yes, Date and State of Marriage, Common Law or Civil Union.

Date Separated:

Date Divorced:

In what city, county, state?

Date of last contact with the other parent:

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If Paternity has been

Genetic Testing

 

Acknowledgement of

Court Order

established, How?

 

 

Paternity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did this person ever live with the child (ren) in the

If yes, When and Where?

 

State of Colorado?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDICAL INSURANCE INFORMATION

A copy of the benefit card used to process medical claims MUST be provided.

Is your child (ren) on Medicaid?

 

Yes

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does your child (ren) have health insurance

Yes

 

 

No

 

coverage other than Medicaid?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If yes, name the children covered by the

 

 

 

 

 

other insurance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other insurance company’s information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Company Name:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

Policy Number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone number:

 

 

 

Group Number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Insurance began:

 

Type of coverage: Medical

Dental

Vision

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who provides other insurance coverage?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

Social Security Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relation to the covered child(ren)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

Phone number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Application Purpose The Custodial Party Child Support Application form is used to request child support services from the Child Support Services (CSS) agency.
Application Fee A non-refundable application fee of $20 is required, unless the applicant is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Required Documentation Applicants must provide various legal documents, including birth certificates, identification, and court orders related to child support and custody.
Confidentiality Protections Information shared during the application process is protected by confidentiality laws, particularly for those with concerns about family violence.
Services Offered CSS provides services such as establishing support orders, modifying existing orders, and collecting past due support from non-custodial parents.
Annual Reporting Applicants receive an annual statement summarizing the total child support collected, which enhances transparency in the process.
Federal Regulations The CSS operates under federal laws, including the requirement to withhold a yearly fee for cases exceeding certain thresholds in child support collected.

Guidelines on Utilizing Custodial Party Child Support Application

Filling out the Custodial Party Child Support Application form involves several steps. Be thorough and precise as you complete the document. Missing or incorrect information can delay the processing of your application.

  1. Obtain the Custodial Party Child Support Application form. Make sure you have the latest version, as forms may change over time.
  2. Read through all instructions included with the form carefully. Understand any terms and requirements specific to your situation.
  3. Fill out the basic information section at the top of the form. Include your name, address, phone number, and email.
  4. Provide details regarding the non-custodial parent, including their name, address, and employment information.
  5. Complete the information about your children, including their names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers. Attach copies of their birth certificates and Social Security cards.
  6. Supply your personal identification by attaching a copy of your driver’s license or another state-issued ID.
  7. Include verification of income by attaching your most recent pay stubs or tax returns.
  8. If applicable, provide a photo of the non-custodial parent that you wish to submit for reference. Ensure it is labeled for return.
  9. Attach any court orders relevant to your case, if they exist. This may include divorce decrees, paternity orders, or support orders.
  10. List any payments already made to the custodial party. Include payment records showing what has been paid and how.
  11. Answer the question about any relation to someone in the county Department of Human Services. Indicate “Yes” or “No” and, if yes, provide details.
  12. Prepare your payment of the non-refundable application fee of $20. You can pay by check, money order, or exact cash if you’re applying in person. Do not send cash through the mail.
  13. Review the completed form for accuracy. Ensure that all required documents are attached.
  14. Sign and date the form, confirming that you understand the information you have provided.
  15. Submit the application to the appropriate county office by mail or in person.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Child Support Services office. They may reach out for further information or clarification as needed. Be patient, as processing times can vary. Ensure you keep copies of everything you submit for your records.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the Custodial Party Child Support Application form?

The Custodial Party Child Support Application form is used to initiate the process of obtaining child support services through Child Support Services (CSS). By completing this form, custodial parents can request various services, including the establishment and enforcement of child support orders, modification of existing orders, and assistance in collecting past due support. It serves as an essential first step in ensuring that children receive the financial support they need.

What documents are required to complete the application?

The application requires several important documents to be processed effectively. You will need to provide a completed application for each parent, copies of state-issued birth certificates and Social Security cards for each child, personal identification, and a photo of the non-custodial parent if available. Additionally, verification of income, marriage certificates (or relevant evidence of marital status), court orders regarding custody or support, and payment records of any past support must also be included. Incomplete applications may lead to delays.

What should I do if I have concerns about safety during the application process?

If you have any concerns regarding the possibility of family violence or threats to your safety or that of your children, you must inform CSS immediately. Confidentiality laws protect your information, but it is vital to communicate your concerns so that CSS can take appropriate precautions. There are specific protections available during the child support process, and completing the Request for Nondisclosure of Personal Information is crucial in safeguarding your private details.

What fees are associated with submitting the application?

Submitting the Custodial Party Child Support Application form involves a non-refundable application fee of $20. This fee can be paid by check, money order, or exact cash if you apply in person. It’s important to note that if you are currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), this fee may be waived. Remember to avoid mailing cash to ensure your application is processed correctly.

How does CSS ensure that I get the support I need?

Common mistakes

When filling out the Custodial Party Child Support Application form, people often encounter challenges that lead to mistakes. Undoubtedly, these errors can result in delays or complications in the child support process. Understanding these common pitfalls is crucial for successful completion of the application.

One frequent mistake is forgetting to include necessary legal documents. The application requires specific paperwork such as birth certificates and social security cards for each child. Failing to provide these documents can slow down the processing of your case. It's essential to double-check that all required documents are attached before submission.

Another common error is not being comprehensive with your income verification. Applicants sometimes provide incomplete or insufficient evidence of their income, like missing pay stubs or unfiled tax returns. If your income documentation is not clear, it may raise questions and delay your application. Being thorough and consistent with your financial information can help avoid this problem.

Additionally, people often overlook the importance of answering questions accurately. For instance, the section about whether you are related to anyone working in the county Department of Human Services is vital. Indicating a relationship, even if it's distant, can impact how your case is handled. Omitting this information or providing misleading answers can create unnecessary complications down the line.

Some individuals fail to alert child support services about issues related to family violence. If there are safety concerns for yourself or your children, it is crucial to communicate these issues during the application process. CSS provides additional protections for those facing such situations, but without notifying them, you may miss out on important safeguards.

Lastly, applicants sometimes forget to sign the form. This may seem minor, but an unsigned application can lead to immediate rejection. Ensuring that all parts of the application are filled out and signed is a simple but essential step in the process.

By being aware of these mistakes and taking the time to carefully complete your application, you can help ensure a smoother journey through the child support process.

Documents used along the form

When applying for child support services, several additional forms and documents help streamline the process. These documents work together with the Custodial Party Child Support Application form to ensure that all necessary information is compiled correctly and efficiently. Here’s a list of key documents that may be required:

  • Non-Custodial Parent Application: This form details the information for the non-custodial parent, including their income, employment, and any existing support orders. Each parent must submit their own application.
  • Verification of Income: To establish financial obligation, applicants must provide documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements that confirm their income. This assists in determining the appropriate child support amount.
  • Child’s Birth Certificate and Social Security Card: Copies of these documents for each child are necessary to validate the relationship between the parents and the children involved in the case.
  • Court Orders: Any existing legal documents regarding child support, custody, or other relevant orders must be provided. This includes divorce decrees, paternity orders, or modifications.
  • Marriage Certificate: If applicable, providing a copy of the marriage certificate helps establish the legal relationship between the parents. If the certificate is unavailable, alternative evidence of marital status should be included.
  • Personal Identification: A valid form of identification such as a driver’s license or state ID for both parents must be submitted. This is used to verify their identities during the application process.
  • Payment Records: Complete records of any child support already paid directly to the custodial parent assist in tracking compliance with previous agreements and obligations.
  • Request for Nondisclosure of Personal Information: If there are safety concerns, especially related to domestic violence, this form can be used to request confidentiality regarding personal information throughout the child support process.

Gathering these documents can make a significant difference in the efficiency of processing your child support application. Each piece of information you provide aids in ensuring that the appropriate support is established and that the best interests of the child are prioritized. Always keep copies of what you submit for your records. If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Similar forms

  • Child Custody Agreement: Like the Child Support Application, this document outlines the responsibilities and rights of each parent regarding their child's care. It helps establish expectations just as the application sets conditions for support.
  • Paternity Acknowledgment: This form is used to legally establish the father’s rights and responsibilities, similar to how the Child Support Application establishes financial obligations for child support.
  • Separation Agreement: Both documents detail terms agreed upon by parents, especially regarding child sustainment, which the Child Support Application addresses financially.
  • Divorce Decree: This legal document usually includes child support details, mirroring the focus on financial responsibilities found in the Child Support Application.
  • Child Support Modification Request: This form is used when modifying existing child support, akin to the application process for initiating support services.
  • Income Verification Document: Often required when completing the Child Support Application, this document provides proof of earnings, paralleling the information needed to calculate support obligations.
  • Tax Returns: Tax documents may be submitted as part of income verification in the Child Support Application, which also requires proof of financial stability for support determinations.
  • Child Support Order: This court order details specific monthly payments required from one parent to another, similar in purpose to the Child Support Application, which seeks to establish these terms.
  • Maintenance Order: Often combined with child support, this order clarifies spousal support obligations, relating closely to the financial responsibilities outlined in the Child Support Application.
  • Social Security Application: This document requires personal and financial information, just like the Child Support Application, which gathers essential data about the custodial party and children involved.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Custodial Party Child Support Application form, consider the following dos and don'ts:

  • Do: Provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in processing your application.
  • Do: Ensure you include necessary documentation, such as birth certificates and proof of income.
  • Do: Alert CSS about any safety concerns related to family violence, as they can offer additional protections.
  • Do: Read through the application instructions carefully to understand all requirements.
  • Don't: Submit cash payments, as they will not be accepted and may delay your application.
  • Don't: Leave out any required information or forms, since incomplete applications may be returned.
  • Don't: Ignore changes in your situation; promptly notify CSS of any changes that may affect your case.
  • Don't: Assume that all information provided is confidential; alert CSS if family violence is a concern.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Custodial Party Child Support Application form can be challenging, especially given the various misconceptions that exist. Here are ten common misunderstandings about the form, along with explanations to clarify them.

  1. Child support applications are only for custodial parents. Many believe that only custodial parents can apply for child support services. In reality, both custodial and non-custodial parents can use this application for various support-related services.
  2. You do not need to provide any documentation. Some may think they can apply without submitting any supporting documents. However, the application requires specific legal documents, such as birth certificates and proof of income, to initiate the process.
  3. The application process is free of charge. A $20 non-refundable application fee is required. This fee may be waived if you are receiving TANF, but it's important to be aware of the cost before applying.
  4. The information shared on the application is completely confidential. While confidentiality laws protect your information, it can be shared with other state and federal agencies for child support purposes. Being aware of this can help you take necessary precautions if family violence is a concern.
  5. Once you apply, you no longer have to provide updates. In fact, you must notify the Child Support Services (CSS) office of any significant changes, such as a change of address or employment, as these can affect your child support payments.
  6. CSS can assist with custody and visitation disputes. Many people mistakenly assume that CSS deals with custody or parenting time issues. However, the agency does not handle these matters, and applicants must seek other resources for such concerns.
  7. Child support enforcement happens automatically. It's a common belief that CSS automatically enforces child support orders. Instead, CSS must assess the situation and may require your cooperation to take enforcement actions.
  8. Only biological parents can be included on the application. Caretakers or relatives, such as grandparents or stepparents, can also open a child support case against both biological parents, which is often overlooked.
  9. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is optional on the application. While it's mandatory to provide your SSN, not having one does not prevent you from applying for services. Your application will still be processed.
  10. You can directly process child support payments without using the Family Support Registry (FSR). Using the FSR is crucial for processing child support payments efficiently. Direct payments may lead to case closure, which can complicate matters further.

By addressing these misconceptions, individuals seeking child support services can approach the application process with clearer understanding and better preparation.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Custodial Party Child Support Application form correctly is essential for effective processing of child support services. Here are ten key takeaways:

  • Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $20.00 is required to process the application. This can be paid by check, money order, or exact cash if applying in person. Do not mail cash.
  • Required Documents: Include a separate application for each non-custodial parent, copies of relevant legal documents, and verification of income.
  • Confidentiality: Provide the application discreetly, especially if there are concerns about family violence. Notify the Child Support Services (CSS) office if safety is an issue.
  • Support Services: CSS assists with establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders, as well as paternity determinations.
  • Cooperation: It’s mandatory to cooperate with CSS. Failure to provide information promptly may delay the process or lead to case closure.
  • Yearly Statements: CSS will issue an annual summary of collected child support payments for your records.
  • Changes in Circumstances: Notify CSS immediately regarding changes to your contact information, living situation, or any relevant court actions.
  • Direct Payments: Avoid making direct payments to the custodial parent once a Family Support Registry (FSR) account number is assigned to ensure proper tracking.
  • Social Security Number (SSN): Providing your SSN is mandatory, but services will not be denied if you don’t have one.
  • Legal Relationship: Understand that CSS represents the state and does not establish legal relationships with parties involved.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smoother application process and better outcomes in obtaining child support.