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Yes. A case may be opened in our office even if the children have emancipated or the child support order has terminated for another reason. However, if an extended period of time has passed, we may not be able to collect on your previous order due to the statute of limitations. Our office would need to review your court orders to determine if we would be able to assist you with collections on the arrears due.
If paternity has not been established or a paternity affidavit has not been signed, you may request a genetic test to determine if you are the biological father of the child(ren). You may request a genetic test at the time of the court hearing. Our office can also work with you and the mother to have genetic testing completed prior to the court hearing.
Child support is calculated using the Indiana Child Support Guidelines. A child support worksheet is prepared to determine what the appropriate child support order should be. The income of both the mother and the father is considered, as well as overnight parenting time, other biological children the parties may have, day care expenses, and health insurance. The Indiana Supreme Court offers a free Child Support Calculator you may use.
Once an employer has received an income withholding order, the employer must start withholding from the non-custodial parent’s earnings no later than the first pay period that occurs after 14 days following the date the notice was mailed. Typically, it takes around 4 weeks for the first payment to be remitted by the employer to the Indiana State Central Collection Unit (INSCCU). If you still haven’t received any payments 4-6 weeks after you’ve received the notice of withholding, please contact your caseworker.
Our office is prohibited by federal law from discussing the other parent’s taxes with anyone. We will not be able to tell you a date when the money would be released to your account.
You can contact your caseworker to see if your order can be modified. You must include a reason why you think the modification would be appropriate (such as job loss, change in daycare expenses, or change in overnight parenting time). Your caseworker will then notify you if our office can review your case for modification.
If we are unable to review your case at this time, you can request a modification from the court by filing pro se (representing yourself in court) or by hiring a private attorney.
In accordance with federal law, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office Child Support Division is not involved in custody issues or visitation/parenting time disputes. You can request the issue be addressed in court by filing pro se (representing yourself in court) or by hiring a private attorney.