Enforcement

The Butler County CSEA will take action to enforce an order when the support is one month or more in default. The agency administers support orders on a monthly basis.

We will make inquires to determine why the parent is not paying their support (illness, loss of employment, change of employment, etc.) and then work with all parties concerned to see that support is paid.

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

The CSEA, in conjunction with the Prosecuting Attorney, can take a number of actions depending on the nature of the case. These actions may include:

Withholding wages from earnings, unemployment benefits, Workers’ Compensation benefits, Social Security benefits and disability benefits
Suspending driver's, professional and recreational licenses
Placing liens on real and/or personal property
Freezing/seizing bank account funds
Seizing lump sums (lottery winnings, bonuses, Workers' Compensation benefits, Social Security Disability benefits, estate funds)
Seizing federal and state tax refunds
Reporting the party to the Credit Bureau
Attempting to get access to retirement or pension funds (even if the party has not yet retired)
Featuring parent of wanted poster
Denying/Seizing passports
Requesting a finding of contempt of court. (CSEA attorneys attend about 14,000 hearings a year)
Pursuing criminal non-support charges.

What is child support arrearage?

Arrearage is the sum of money that the payer owes, but has not paid, according to the child support enforcement agency’s records.

How does the CSEA collect child support arrearage?

Through the administrative default process, the CSEA may request an employer to deduct an additional amount from the pay of the person ordered to pay. This additional order, which is usually 20 percent of the current support order, is set to reduce and eventually eliminate child support arrearage. The CSEA may also collect an arrearage by attaching the proceeds of a lump sum payment that the payer would normally receive such as federal or state income taxes, bonuses, lottery winnings and worker's compensation claims. Parents have the right to request an administrative mistake of fact hearing if they disagree with the recommendation contained in the notice.

What happens if the other parent now resides in another state?

The CSEA can still pursue child support and other related matters. The most likely means of pursuing support is through the interstate process known as UIFSA (Uniform Interstate Family Support Act).

What happens if I now reside in another state?

You should contact your local CSEA to initiate enforcement actions in cooperation with this agency.

What if the other parent is required to provide medical insurance for the child and is not doing so?

The CSEA will generally take enforcement action on your behalf. The parent must be able to show that the party has access to medical insurance at a reasonable rate, but has declined to obtain it.

When should my child support order terminate?

If you feel that your child meets the criteria for a termination, please complete a termination status form and return it to the CSEA.