Your divorce does not eliminate your responsibilities to your child. As a parent, you want the best for your child, but financial struggles can make it challenging to provide the care and opportunities they deserve.
Fortunately, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) can help families like yours get the support they need. But how do you tap into these resources, and what can you expect from the process?
Opening a child support case through the MDHS
The human services department can help individuals who are having difficulties getting child support from their former spouses. There are five steps in opening a child support case through the agency:
- Apply for support services: Fill out an application and pay a $25 fee. You’ll receive a letter with instructions and a list of crucial documents to bring to your appointment. You may have to present important papers like birth certificates, social security cards and divorce orders.
- Complete an appointment: Meet with the Child Support Office in person or by phone. Be prepared to share information about the other parent.
- Inform the other parent: The Child Support Office will help find the other parent if needed. Providing their social security number and other information may speed up the process. If the other parent is not listed as the legal parent, the office will help establish paternity through various methods.
- Secure a court order: The office will work to establish a formal order through the courts, considering factors like income and legal guidelines. Once the order is in place, the office will collect payments and enforce the order.
- Receive child support payments: Parents receiving child support can accept payments through direct deposit or a debit card.
Remember, the Child Support Office can help you get the support your child needs. Be prepared to provide information and documents, and they’ll work to establish a fair and enforceable child support order.
Getting the support your child deserves
The MDHS can off help to those who are in urgent need of financial help for their children. By understanding the services and resources available, you can take the first steps toward securing the financial stability your child deserves.
