why does child support office refuse to give me my parental rights?

Question

i have been ordered to pay support on both of my kids (from two seperate mothers). i pay the support, but the c/s office refuses to give me ANY contact info for the youngest. i still have to pay support, but i can't have any info on how, where, or when to contact my own son? i don't understand these laws. the mother said "I" was the one who doesn't visit, but how am i supposed to keep in touch with no current info?? i haven't been able to see him in 2 1/2 yrs. i have no issues with my daughter's mother, thank goodness. any help would be greatly appreciated! -confused in indiana

Answer 1

Due to the Privacy Act the Child SUpport Office cannot give you the mother's information. You might try talking with your child support caseworker and ask if you write a letter to the child and mother if they will forward it to the mother and you can give your contact information in the letter. I have done this before in cases and then it was up to the mother whether she contacted the Dad or not. In many cases, visitation was started and the child got to know their Dad. I don't know how cooperative your worker will be but it is worth a try. If nothing else, file a motion to modify your support order...the Child Support Office is supposed to notify the mother and have in court for the hearing. It is a round about way to get to see the mom and talk to her and ask the court to have her give you her contact information.

Answer 2

Everyone here is correct. The child support office cannot and will not supply anyone with the information you seek. If the mother is uncooperative then you must seek an attorney. Also social services can be helpful if approached in the kindest manner possible. Do treat all people you encounter kindly in this matter. I suffered a bitter divorce with a son in the middle and it was my experience that the child support and enforcement offices tend to either hire the most hard bitten and jaded individuals or they become that way over years of dealing with upset and frustrated parents.

Answer 3

You do have rights as long as you are not deemed abusive or a threat to the child.
I went thru the smae thing luckily I won custody of my son, this was back in the early 90's
First thing is get a good attorney as file a petition to change visitation rights, if you dont have a beef with mom have her write something up that will help, I woould stop paying money if I could not see my child.
They could do what they want, now mom is going to want to have the support payment coming in, she will be more co-operative if you put it this way.
I am not advocating not helping support the child, just feel that all children need two parents as long as they are healthy mentaly.
Wish you good luck as what you are going thru is THE hardest thing,harder than losing a loved one.
But dont give up as you have as much right to the child as she does.

Answer 4

Okay,

I am from a different country than you, but in general, the child support office is only responsible for getting and distributing the child support - that is, it is a money mover.

If you want to enforce 'access' to your children, you need to go through a court situation. If you get an order in your favour, they will help you to enforce your right to access your child.

Answer 5

This is because the child support are only concerned with the collection of money. To get contact with your children you will need to get an order from the court. Go and see a lawer.

Answer 6

That is easy take her back to court and file for visitation rights, or better yet joint custody. They have to give them to you unless you are a pedophile or child abuser especially if you are paying child support. Also you should always have a copy of your childrens birth certificate (official) and social security card just in case you are awarded custody for some reason.