The Cumberland County Child Support Department is responsible for providing the following services:
Noncustodial Parent Location
Child Support utilizes automated and manual means in attempts to locate the noncustodial parent’s address, employment, and contact information. The custodian’s assistance in providing information is critical for location success and proceeding with the next step in the child support process. Date of Birth, Social Security Number, address, employer and vehicle ownership information can assist the Child Support Department in locating the noncustodial parent.
Establishment of Parentage
By NC General Statute parentage is established if the parents were married during conception or birth of the child. If the parents were not married, parentage can be established voluntarily or through court. DNA testing, otherwise known as “paternity testing,” is available through Child Support if parentage has not already been established. A legal responsibility for a child must exist before a parent can be pursued for support.
Establishment of Child Support Obligation
The Child Support order outlines the legal obligation for support and maintenance of a child, which may include medical coverage. These financial obligations are based on calculations using NC Child Support Guidelines and may be entered voluntarily if all participants agree or through court hearing
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Collection of Child Support Payments
Payment for Child Support is collected by NC Child Support Centralized Collections (NCCSCC). This vendor collects, receipts, and disburses all Child Support payments in North Carolina. Payments are disbursed by direct deposit or a NCCSCC issued debit card.
Enforcement of Child Support Obligations
Child Support monitors compliance of the support order, identifies noncompliance, and utilizes several enforcement tools to attempt collection of support as ordered. Income withholding is the most effective method; however, other actions include credit bureau reporting, passport revocation, interception of state and federal tax refunds, and court action/contempt.
Working Across State Lines
When one party in a child support case lives outside of North Carolina, we may involve another child support agency to aid in these services. Processing this type of case may be more time consuming and require additional documents, however, all states have adopted the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) which makes the processing easier and more effective.