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Child Support Services Frequently Asked Questions
What child support services are available through Washington County?
Washington County can assist in locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing court orders for child support, reviewing and modifying child support orders and collecting child support payments.
How can I get services from Washington County?
If you receive public assistance, you are automatically referred for child support services. If you are not receiving child support services, you may apply through the County's Child Support office in the Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd Street North, Room 200, Stillwater, Minnesota. The direct dial telephone number is 651-430-6455. If you do not receive public assistance, there is a one time application fee of $25.00.
What is paternity?
A paternity proceeding is used to determine the legal parents of the child, usually a child born outside of a marital relationship. Establishing paternity gives legal rights and obligations to the parents and the child.
How is paternity established?
Paternity can be established in two ways. First, both parents may sign a Recognition of Parentage. This is a legal document that establishes the paternity of the child and confers legal rights and obligations. Second, a paternity action can be brought before the court to have a judge decide if a man is the father of a child. Washington County will assist those who apply for servies in establishing paternity. That assistance can include genetic testing and assistance in locating missing parents.
What is child support?
Child support is money paid under a court order by one or both parents for the financial support of a child. A parent can also be ordered to provide medical support or medical insruance and contribute to child care expenses.
How is child support established?
The court generally orders child support. The court order can originate from a divorce, legal separation, paternity or domestic abuse action. The county sometimes intervenes in these actions seeking reimbursement for public assistance that may be provided for the child.
How are child support payments made?
Most child support payments are made by automatic income withholding from the paycheck of the non-custodial parent. The payments are sent to a central payment center where they are distributed to the other party.
What happens when a parent does not pay child support?
Child support officers have tools to enforce a child support order including suspension of a driver's license, income tax refund intercept, credit bureau reporting and contempt of court.
How can I find out more about my child support case?
Minnesota has a secure interactive web site where you can view information regarding your case. The Minnesota Child Support Online web site is:
Minnesota Child Support Online
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