Do you need support? The Prosecutor's Office in your county may be able to assist you in obtaining child support at no cost to you! Anyone who has a child living with them is eligible. You do not have to be the parent of the child!
First, you must obtain a referral from the Department of Human Services. A person called a support specialist will assist you. They are responsible for gathering and forwarding appropriate information to the Family Support Division of the Prosecutor's Office. To obtain help, call their toll free number: (866)-661-0005. Calls are taken Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m..
Second, the Family Support Division, upon receipt of the referral from Department of Human Services, will schedule an appointment to have you come into their Office to talk about matters. You will be requested to complete a form and to bring certain information with you to the office appointment.
An appropriate child support case will then be filed with the Clerk's Office on your behalf. A support order will be obtained from the Judge assigned to your case. The order will establish the absent parent's support obligation. A requirement to contribute toward health and child care expenses will also be included. Visitation, or parenting time, is not handled by the Office. Likewise, custody may be addressed but is not litigated by the Office.
Third, the Friend of the Court (FOC) will then proceed with collection and enforcement of the Order.
For more information regarding your specific type of case click on one of the following:
Child Support Cases are cases where the father has been legally established.
Paternity Cases are ones where you want child support and the father has not yet been legally established.
Inter-State Cases involve child support and the absent parent lives in another state.
LaCasa is the local organization to call when you are in need of a safe place in cases of domestic violence.
24 Hour Crisis Lines
Sexual Assault - 517.548.4228
Domestic Violence - 866.522.2725