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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is allowed to file for child support?
How long should I expect to receive child support?
How do I apply for child support if my family receives cash assistance?
How do I apply for child support if my family does not receive cash assistance?
How do I apply for enforcement of my existing child support order?
Where is the Law Department's office, and what hours can I visit?
What documents do I need when visiting an office?
Can my address be kept confidential?
What if I have any additional questions?
Whom should I contact about my existing child support account?
Who is allowed to file for child support?
Any parent or adult caring for a child may file for child support.
How long should I expect to receive child support?
A custodial parent may receive child support for his or her dependent children who are not emancipated. The age of emancipation varies by state. In New York State, the age of emancipation is 21. In most of the other states, the age of emancipation is 18. However, there are times when this rule does not apply. If a child enters a marriage, joins the military, or becomes financially independent, payment of child support may not be required. Law Department staff will be able to tell you the age of emancipation for the non-custodial parent's place of residence.
How do I apply for child support if my family receives cash assistance?
The Law Department does not handle cases for which the child is receiving cash assistance. The City's Human Resources Administration processes these cases. Anyone who has applied for, or is receiving, cash or medical assistance for a child, is automatically given an appointment to meet with a worker from HRA's Office of Child Support Enforcement
How do I apply for child support if my family does not receive cash assistance?
If you are not receiving cash assistance, you must first visit the Office of Child Support Enforcement, Family Court Support Services office within your borough of residence. Find an Office of Child Support Enforcement. Once you have completed an application and screening, Office of Child Support Enforcement staff will let you know if you qualify for services. You will be given a referral form that you should bring when you visit the Law Department's office.
How do I apply for enforcement of my existing child support order?
If you have a child support order and the non-custodial parent is not complying with the terms, you must first visit the Office of Child Support Enforcement Customer Service Center. The office is located at 151 West Broadway, 4th floor, New York, NY 10013. It is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Once staff have screened your application, they will determine if you are eligible to receive Law Department services. If they determine that judicial action is required, they will give you a referral to the Law Department.
Where is the Law Department's office, and what hours can I visit?
The Law Department's Interstate Child Support Unit is located on the 4th Floor of 100 Church Street, New York, NY 10007. You will need identification with a photograph to gain access to the building. When you arrive on the 4th floor, a member of the office will speak with you.
The hours to meet in person to file a petition or make an inquiry are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. An appointment is not necessary.
Our hours to accept service of legal documents are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, on Wednesdays, you may also visit the Law Department's offices at the Manhattan Family Court Building in Room 7A of 60 Lafayette Street, New York, NY, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
What documents do I need when visiting an office?
Please bring as much information as you have. We recommend the following:
- photo identification
- acknowledgment of paternity or order of filiation
- any previous child support orders
- marriage certificate and divorce decrees with all accompanying documents
- child(ren) birth certificate(s)
- Social Security cards for self and child(ren)
- three most recent pay stubs
- non-custodial parent's current address
- non-custodial parent's Social Security number
Can my address be kept confidential?
The law sets forth circumstances in which an address can be kept confidential. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, instances of domestic violence. The Law Department will assess this issue and may request that the other state keep your address confidential.
What if I have any additional questions?
Call the Law Department at 212-356-3220. Your call will be returned within 48 hours.
You may also call the New York State Support Customer Service helpline at 888-208-4485 or visit New York Child Support or Office of Child Support Enforcement.
Whom should I contact about my existing child support account?
If you have a question about the status of a payment or arrears owed, call the New York State Support Customer Service helpline at 888-208-4485.
The Law Department does not handle these types of inquires.