{"id":372712,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:03","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-child-support-enforcement.html"},"modified":"2025-06-17T13:06:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T18:06:29","slug":"georgia-child-support-enforcement","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-child-support-enforcement.html","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Child Support Enforcement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Georgia Child Support Enforcement<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When couples divorce or separate, they typically negotiate a child custody arrangement and child support. Sometimes, they\u2019re able to do this amicably. In other cases, the parties go to court, where a judge determines whether either parent will receive child support.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you have a child support agreement with your ex-spouse or a child support order<\/a> from the courts, it\u2019s crucial that the person with the child support obligation makes their payments on time.<\/p>\r\n

In most child support cases, the non-custodial parent (NCP) must pay child support to the parent with primary physical custody. If the NCP refuses to make payments or falls behind on child support, the other parent can seek enforcement from their local child support office.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains how the state of Georgia handles child support enforcement<\/a>. It examines what the Georgia Department of Human Services can do to help ensure you receive your child support payments on time.<\/p>\r\n

What To Do if You Don\u2019t Receive Your Child Support Payments on Time<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In the state of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Child Support Services<\/a> (DCSS) oversees child support enforcement.<\/p>\r\n

If the NCP doesn\u2019t make child support payments<\/a> on time, you can contact DCSS for help. It\u2019s their job to ensure that children receive financial support from both parents. You can also ask for their assistance if the NCP isn\u2019t paying the full amount of child support they owe. If the court order states they owe $200 per week in child support<\/a> but have only contributed $100 per week, the DCSS office can pursue them for the difference.<\/p>\r\n

If you already have a case with DCSS, contact the case manager handling your file. You\u2019ll need to submit a copy of the original child support order. This is available at the Clerk of Court’s office<\/a>. The child support enforcement unit has the power to collect authority to collect arrears<\/a> and ensure that the NCP obtains health insurance for your kids.<\/p>\r\n

How DCSS Enforces a Support Order<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

DCSS can do several things to a parent who doesn’t pay their child support<\/a>. These include:<\/p>\r\n