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Explaining the different types of child support cases

On Behalf of | Aug 13, 2018 | Divorce |

Not everyone in Virginia receiving child support payments gets their funds in the same way. Some recipients draw funds directly from a non-custodial parent, and others get payments from the state. This is because there are four different types of child support cases. Each type involves different payment arrangements and circumstances. Having a better understanding of what options are available can help parents or legal guardians in need of child support have a better idea of how assistance may be provided.

If child support is established and maintained privately following a divorce, it’s referred to as a non-IV-D case. With IV-D cases, the custodial parent receives assistance from the Office of Child Support Enforcement. This may involve determining paternity, finding the parent who does not have custody or enforcing an existing order. A non-IV-D case may become an IV-D case if unpaid or outstanding support payments need to be collected.

The state provides public assistance to the custodial parent with IV-A cases. These cases are typically referred to the Office of Child Support Enforcement to make an attempt to collect payments from the custodial parent. IV-E cases are also referred to the Office of Child Support Enforcement to secure payments; however, these cases are unique in that the child is being cared for by someone other than a biological or custodial parent. Such guardians might include relatives or foster parents.

Unfortunately, a parent making payments may lose their job. When circumstances like this occur, a family law attorney can take steps to make appropriate changes with payment arrangements. If a non-custodial parent stops paying altogether, a lawyer may compel them to pay by reaching out to the case manager, attempting direct contact with the paying spouse or seeking a resolution in court.

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