Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by Lori Pace
Splitting of parents may occur for many reasons. This is a problem because many parents abandon responsibility for caring for their child. The custodial parent is responsible for all costs related to raising the child. The obligation to support the child is still there regardless of whether the parents split. The Office of Recovery Services in Utah helps to provide calculator tools, while establishing and enforcing child support payments in order to help custodial parents pay for childcare costs.
The Process For Child Support After Divorce
The Utah Department of Human Services (DHS) provides Child Support Services (CSS). Although parents can submit applications in person, ORS recommends parents use the online application process. These services include the following: locating the noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, establishing or modifying child support orders, and enforcing existing orders.
Alternatively, you can opt for a printable application. The ORS will require some information during the child support application. The ORS will require information about the custodial parent (the applicant), such as full name, birth date, social security number and gender, relationship to the child, and so on. A section of the application allows you to indicate whether you know the father of your child. The application form must also include details about the noncustodial parent. Name, social security number and address are a requirement. This information will help locate the noncustodial parents.
The case will not progress unless the noncustodial parent has been located and served with a notice of support. It is important to provide accurate information. The ORS can use federal and state parent locator services to locate the noncustodial parent if the custodial parent does not have enough information. However, this could significantly delay the process. You can find the application process and the documents required online.
After Locating The Noncustodial Parent
Once the noncustodial parent receives a notice of child support, it is possible to establish paternity. If the mother was married at the time the child was born, the husband is presumed to have been the father. Children born to parents other than marriage must go through a formal process to recognize the man as the father of the child. Both parents must sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity form. Signing should be in the presence of at least two witnesses who are not related to them. A parent or guardian must sign the form for minors who are signing. The parents cans sign the Voluntary Declaration of Paternity anytime after birth, but it is most commonly provided immediately after.
If the man is unsure that he is the father, he can request for genetic testing. The Office of Recovery Services often provides the testing at no cost. A court order will be issued if the test results show that the man is the biological father of the child.
After the paternity determination, the establishment phase of the child support case can begin. A reasonable amount for child support will be established at this stage.
How To Receive Child Support and Calculator Tools for Single Moms in Utah
The ORS uses Electronic Funds Transfer to pay child support to Utah custodial parents who have a child support case. Parents have two options for electronic transfers.
Parents have the option to receive direct deposit payments. Direct deposit means that child support payments will do directly through the parent’s authorized account. Direct deposit allows parents access to the funds directly from their bank account, eliminating any fees.
You can also receive the funds on a Utah Debit Card. This is a MasterCard debit-card with a separate account that parents can use to receive child support payments. Utah Debit Card does not require the parent to have a bank account. The parent can use the card just like a regular debit card. It’s possible to make purchases, withdraw money from ATMs, and get cashback. You can also access the balance with this card.
Parents must complete an enrollment form indicating the preferred method of receiving payments. Utah is not like other states in that parents can receive child support checks by mail. Parents who are in the process to set up an Electronic Funds Transfer payment system will not be able to use this option temporarily.
Calculator Tools and The Maximum Amount That Your Family Can Receive for Child Support in Utah
There are many factors that go into determining the amount of child support ordered in Utah. The ORS considers the gross income of both parents, the number and amount of children, alimony settlements (if applicable), custody arrangements for the child, parent coverage for medical insurance, and so forth. This information is used to determine a fair and reasonable amount to be paid in child support. It is important to determine a child support amount that is reasonable and provides the child with a good quality of life, but not too much for the noncustodial parent.
Utah also has a calculator tool that can give you an idea of how much the child support will be.
Enforcement of Child Support
Parents who are not custodial are expected to pay prompt and complete monthly payments. This is often not the case. Some parents delay or pay only a portion of the amount, while others make no payments at all. ORS has several options to enforce child support orders against parents. These actions include denial of passport applications and suspension of licenses. They can also take deductions from income or intercept federal and state tax refunds. Even if the child is no longer eligible, outstanding child support payments must be paid.
