How a Support Case Moves From Intake to Order

Understanding the life cycle of a child support case helps you plan, avoid delays, and show up with the right documents at each stage. While names and forms vary by state, most cases move through a predictable arc: intake, locate, service, establishment (or modification), and implementation.

Intake and eligibility. Cases begin at your state or county child support agency or directly in family court. At intake, you provide identifying information for both parents and the child, copies of any existing orders, and details on income, insurance, and childcare. If parentage hasn’t been established, the agency will start that process in tandem. Bring Social Security numbers, birth certificates, addresses, and employer info if known. If you receive TANF or certain benefits, the state may automatically open a case to seek support.

Locate and verification. Agencies use databases—wage reporting, unemployment, new hire reports, credit bureaus—to locate the other parent and confirm employment. If information is incomplete, you may be asked for leads (former employers, relatives, social media handles). Accuracy matters: a misspelled name or wrong birthdate can stall locate for weeks. Update your caseworker anytime you get new contact or employer info.

Service of process. Before a court can make orders, the other parent must be properly served with the petition and hearing notice. Service rules are strict: a friend “handing papers” may not be valid. Agencies typically use professional servers or certified mail when allowed. If service fails, expect a continuance while new attempts are made. Keep proof of addresses and any communication showing the parent is evading service.

Temporary orders. Some states allow temporary support while the case proceeds, especially when the child needs immediate help with rent, food, or childcare. Temporary orders usually rely on preliminary income data and are later adjusted at the final hearing. If you receive a temporary order, start paying immediately; arrears can accrue quickly.

Exchange of financial information. Before the hearing, both sides exchange paystubs, tax returns, health insurance premiums, childcare receipts, and proof of parenting time. Fill out your financial affidavit carefully and honestly. Omissions and guesses undermine credibility. If you’re self‑employed, bring profit‑and‑loss statements and business bank records.

The hearing (or stipulation). Many cases settle by “stipulation” (agreement) using the guideline calculator; a judge or commissioner signs the stipulation into an order. If no agreement, the court holds a short evidentiary hearing. Arrive early with multiple copies of exhibits and be concise: show income, necessary add‑ons (insurance, childcare), and parenting time. Courts will apply the state guideline unless there’s a legally supported reason to deviate.

The order and findings. The signed order will list current support, arrears (if any), payment schedule, insurance obligations, childcare splits, and who claims tax credits if your state’s orders address them. It may include parenting‑time findings if those affect the calculation. Read every line—typos in names, amounts, or case numbers cause posting errors. Ask for corrections immediately if needed.

Implementation: income withholding and SDU. Most orders include immediate income withholding. The agency or your lawyer sends an Income Withholding Order (IWO) to payroll. Payments flow through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), which records and forwards funds to the payee. Until withholding starts, the paying parent should make portal payments manually to avoid gaps.

Post‑order housekeeping. Update the agency whenever addresses, employers, insurance, or childcare changes. Keep copies of paystubs showing deductions and reconcile them with SDU postings. If your financial situation shifts substantially, file to modify promptly—retroactive changes are limited. Use the portal for reimbursements and messages so there’s a clean record.

Bottom line. From intake to order, cases move in steps: locate, serve, exchange numbers, decide, implement. Stay organized, respond fast, and respect service and affidavit rules so the court can reach a fair, enforceable result.

Disclaimer: Educational information only; not legal advice. Procedures vary by state and change over time. Consult a licensed attorney or your child support agency.