Collecting Payments When Parent is in Another State
Collecting Missed Child Support Payments from a Parent in Another State
When a non-custodial parent falls behind on child support and lives in a different state, enforcing payments can feel complicated. Custodial parents often worry that moving across state lines means a parent can avoid their financial responsibilities. The good news is that federal and state laws provide tools to make sure child support is still enforceable, no matter where the other parent resides.
At Child Support 2 Collect, we specialize in helping parents overcome these challenges and recover the support their children deserve.
How Interstate Child Support Enforcement Works
Interstate enforcement is governed by the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which every state has adopted. This law ensures that child support orders are recognized and enforced across state borders.
Key enforcement methods include:
- State-to-State Cooperation – Your local child support agency works with the agency in the other state to enforce the order.
- Wage Garnishment – Employers in any state can be required to withhold wages for child support.
- Court Enforcement – Courts in the non-custodial parent’s state can enforce or modify support orders.
- Federal Tools – In serious cases, federal actions such as tax refund intercepts, passport denial, or even prosecution may apply.
Challenges of Collecting Across State Lines
- Delays Between States – Paperwork and communication between states can slow the process.
- Different Procedures – Each state has its own process and enforcement timelines.
- Locating the Parent – If the non-custodial parent moves often, finding them may be difficult.
- Large Arrears – Past-due balances may require additional enforcement measures.
- Limited State Resources – Many state agencies are overloaded, leaving parents waiting for action.
What Custodial Parents Can Do
- Keep Your Order Current – Make sure your child support order is enforceable.
- Work with Your State Agency – They can start UIFSA enforcement in the other state.
- Gather Records – Keep documentation of missed payments and arrears.
- Stay Informed – Track which state agency is handling your case.
- Seek Professional Help – Child Support 2 Collect can step in when state agencies move too slowly.
Why Choose Child Support 2 Collect
Cross-state child support enforcement takes time, patience, and persistence. Our team at Child Support 2 Collect knows how to navigate multiple agencies and cut through delays to help custodial parents recover unpaid support. Whether the other parent moved across the country or is trying to hide, we can help you take the next step toward collection.
Is your child’s other parent living in a different state and missing payments? Contact Child Support 2 Collect today to start the enforcement process.
"My children were 47, 45 and 43 years old. I had not received a payment for 25 years. My ex-husband passed away and I had always thought his children would inherit from him. He did not have them in his Will and I had finally had enough. I hired Child Support 2 Collect and within 14 days they froze his bank accounts. I collected $166,736.84. I would recommend them to anyone who is owed money. They really know what they are doing and they have changed my life."
— Mary Day
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect child support if the other parent lives in another state?
Yes. Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), child support orders are enforceable in all 50 states, and agencies can work together across state lines to collect payments.
How does interstate child support enforcement work?
Your state child support agency can request help from the enforcement agency in the non-custodial parent's state. Wage garnishment, court enforcement, and even federal tools may be used.
What are the challenges of collecting child support from another state?
Common challenges include delays between states, differences in enforcement procedures, difficulty locating the parent, and limited resources at state agencies.