My child's parent is not paying child support and has no job, property or assets
Question
My child's parent is not paying child support and has no job, property or assets. I don't even know where he/she lives. What can I do?
Answer
The fact that the parent may not show as the owner of property or that you don't know where he or she is working does not mean that your child support agency cannot try to help you. The only way to really find out if child support can be collected is to request child support enforcement services from your State or local child support enforcement agency. Child support enforcement agencies provide locate services so the fact that you don't have a current address won't disqualify you from receiving services. As you have learned, it can be very difficult to establish or enforce an order if someone is willing to disrupt his/her own life to avoid supporting a child, or has the help of family or friends to hide income. The state agency may not be able to do it, but we certainly recommend trying to work with the state and providing as much information as you can. You may wish to read about the child support enforcement program and contact your State child support enforcement office for more information or to apply for services. To read about the Program, visit our web site at
There is a new internet site that might be helpful for finding out if you are eligible for any kind of assistance or funding. It gives information about government benefits that may be helpful to your family and tells you where to apply. http://www.govbenefits.gov
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