Child Support Enforcement offered by DSHS Division of Child Support in North Seattle

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:  

• Establishing child support orders
• Enforcing child support obligations
• Modifying orders
• Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.

The child support enforcement process is as follows:

• The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent.

The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested.

• If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support.

The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock.

• In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings.
• If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.

Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Washington 211