questions & answers

Question: I am applying for Cash assistance as I am having some financial trouble. I know that normally the Child support division goes after the other parent to pay back the CA payments, but the other parent is on SSI, which I know by Arizona law, she cannot be gone after for child support. How will this work in this case? Will she be gone after to pay back the CA payments even though she is on SSI?

Answer: Each parent has the duty to support his or her children until they reach 18. If a child is disabled, the duty to support may continue past age 18. Under the law, child support is paid by wage-assignment through the payer's job. There are very few exceptions to this law. In most cases, you must cooperate with the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) to get Cash Assistance. If you are getting Cash Assistance, certain child support can be kept by DES to pay back these benefits. If your family stops getting Cash Assistance, the child support paid for the current month must be sent to you immediately. Resources To Get a Child Support Order or to Enforce an Existing Child Support Order - The following resources may help you get a child support order or enforce an existing child support order: DES Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) - Under the law, DCSE must help custodial parents and their children get child and medical support orders. If you get Cash Assistance, you must give DCSE information about your child's other parent, unless you meet one of the "good cause exceptions." This information will allow DCSE start collection efforts. For more information click on the DES Division of Child Support Enforcement web site. Superior Court System - Pima County Superior Court -Quick Court has do-it-yourself forms to file for child support. For more information about Quick Court in Pima County, you should contact Pima County Superior Court, 110 W. Congress, Tucson, Arizona 85701 at (520) 740-3201. In other counties, you should contact your local court to see if they have a similar service. Legal Aid Organizations - Legal aid offices often have workshops to assist low income parents get a divorce, paternity order or child support. For more information, contact the legal aid office in your area. Be sure to choose the county where you live on the right side of the page; and find an office near you under the "Find Legal Help" on this website. Private Attorneys - A private attorney can help you get child support through a divorce or paternity lawsuit. To help you find a private attorney who may be able to help you in Pima County, you should contact the Pima County Lawyer Referral Service at (520) 623-4625. In other counties, you should check the local phone book to find a private attorney or a similar referral service.