3. Never write a check to a child support agency or disbursement agency, money will not get to intended party.

4. If custodial parent says “I’m not getting my child support payments”, and you know you are paying support, they may be right. Check it out. Once or twice a year names of those who may be owed undistributed funds are recorded in local legal newspapers, or posted on state web site under unclaimed property. 5. Custodial and Non-custodial parents must notify child support agency and disbursement agency when there is a change of address. If you don’t inform them your support may be held by state and not disbursed.

Over $100 Billion in accumulated unpaid support should raise a few eyebrows. It means there are child support payments out there that are not getting to children who need it most and government is not doing enough to address this issue. The next time someone suggest that a dad or mom stopped paying child support, investigate. Just because you did not get your child support money does not mean it was not collected.

Financial Security 3. The law requires both parents support their children. This is true even if pregnancy is unplanned. Children supported by one parent often do not have enough money for their needs. A child support order cannot be established if paternity is not proven.

Survivor & other Benefits 4. Medical and dental insurance may be available through non-custodial parent’s employer, union, or military service. Medical assistance programs may be available through local and/or state family/child assistance agencies. If something should happen to either parent, child could qualify for Social Security, pensions, inheritance rights, veterans’ benefits and life insurance. Paternity must be established to receive these benefits.

Keep Track of Child Support Information 5. It is imperative that both parents, (the custodial and non-custodial) keep track of parent information, parenting time, (visitations), receipt of child support payments, court ordered or not, names of child support workers, attorney contacts, names of judges/referees, docket/court numbers etc. concerning child support case. Remember to keep this information in a secure location and let someone you trust know where this information can be found in event of an emergency.