Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my child support check?
Once the court or child support enforcement issues an order for support, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for an employer to incorporate the order into their payroll cycle. The court encourages the absent parent to send in payments on his/her own during this period of time. Once the wage withholding is effective the employer must mail the payment in within 7 days of deducting from the employee’s pay check.
Where can I obtain birth, death and divorce records?
Certified Birth and Death Certificates
- The city of Cincinnati
- Hamilton County Public Health
- (For out-of-state births or deaths, contact the courthouse in the county and state where it occurred)
Divorce Decrees
- Hamilton County Clerk of Courts
- (For out-of-state divorces, contact the courthouse in the county and state where it occurred)
What were the results of the last court hearing?
We can obtain this information for you once the computer has been updated with the results, however if the court date was recent you must call back in a week to find out the results.
What can I do if I do not agree with the outcome of a court hearing?
You have 14 days to file an objection to a court hearing. You must file objections at 800 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH to have the matter heard again by a different party.
There is a mistake in my account. What can I do?
First, ask your employer if the child support payment has been sent to Child Support Payment Central in Columbus and verify that the employer used your SETS case number.
If you believe there has been a mistake, request a payment history of your child support account to see if all of your payments have been recorded. If you find a mistake after comparing the payment history to your records, supply the proof of payment to your child support technician to have your account adjusted. If the mistake cannot be resolved, you have a right to request a formal hearing with Child Support called a mistake-of-fact hearing.
How do I go about getting an increase/decrease in my child support?
Review Making Changes to Child Support for more information.
Can I waive past-due child support?
Review waiving past due support on the making changes page for more information.
How do I change my address?
Report it through the Report a Change tool.
How do I file for custody or visitation?
You must file your own motion at 800 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH because child support enforcement does not have the authority to make legal determinations.
Can taxes be intercepted to pay child support arrearages?
Yes, under tax offset, if your account is more than $150 in arrears, the case may be referred for tax offset. If child support enforcement has identified your case for tax offset, the absent parent will receive a notification letter in October or early November. If money is due to the state for past public assistance, the tax intercept will go to the state. If the absent parent should pay off the arrearage at any time after receiving the notification he/she is to contact child support enforcement in this regard. Due to the complexity of the Tax Intercept Program, we may not be able to delete the case from the list.
Even though you may be paying an additional amount towards the arrearage, this does not exempt you from tax offset program.
What can I do to obtain court-ordered medical coverage for my child?
Child Support will direct an employer to add children to the responsible party’s insurance when the following conditions are met:
- Child Support confirms that there is a court order to provide health insurance for the minor children
- Child Support has confirmed the responsible party is employed at this place of business
- Employer verifies that insurance is available and at group rates
- Employer verifies the the premium cost is reasonable under state law
- Employer does not already cover the children
If an employer refuses to cooperate – or the responsible party switches jobs so often that he/she is not paying required child support and not providing medical insurance as ordered – then Child Support has no alternative but to file contempt charges in court.
Based on HCJFS 7810 (REV. 12-13)