6.2 State Assistance in Obtaining Child Support

6.2 State Assistance in Obtaining Child Support aetrahan Tue, 06/27/2023 - 14:21

A custodial parent can get help from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Child Support Enforcement Services (SES), in establishing and enforcing child support. In addition to establishing new orders, DCFS can enforce orders of other Louisiana jurisdictions as well as those rendered out of state (under UIFSA or URESA).1

If the custodial parent receives Medicaid, the Kinship Care Subsidy Grant, or FITAP, these services are free. Other custodial parents may receive these services for a $25 fee. Parents may apply for the state’s child support enforcement services online and can download a paper application from the webpage of the DCFS/SES.2

If the children or the client are receiving FITAP or the Kinship Care Subsidy Grant, the enforcement and collection of child support will have been assigned to the State by the custodian.3  Thus, you are not able to pursue child support without getting the State to relinquish the assignment or to make them a party to the proceedings because the DCFS is a party in interest necessary for “just adjudication.” Although the DCFS/SES system is extremely backlogged, child support is a vital economic benefit to necessitous clients and should not be overlooked as an option. However, do not expect a quick resolution if your client chooses this option.