CONSIDERING DIVORCE?
PLAN AHEAD TO ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILDREN RECEIVE THE CHILD SUPPORT THEY ARE DUE
Advice From An Expert
(Austin, Texas)— Child support advocate and enforcement veteran Vanessa Diaz has compiled a list of tips for
parents who are considering a divorce for how to best plan ahead for the collection of child support. With
government child support enforcement agencies struggling with a backlog of over 15 million cases of unpaid
child support, difficulties in collecting the money owed to America’s children are all too common. Planning
ahead—before and during a divorce—can help avoid years of frustration.
“In many cases following a divorce, the non-custodial parent starts paying child support, but then stops abruptly.
Oftentimes they disappear or finds ways to hide income,” Vanessa Diaz, vice president of Supportkids, said.
“I had to learn these lessons the hard way in my own life and have since devoted my career to helping others in
their child support struggles.”
The following are some important tips from Diaz:
- Make sure you understand what is in your divorce decree—especially the order for child support.
- Keep accurate records of all child support received.
- Be sure you have copies of your children's birth certificates and a copy of the court order.
- Knowing how to find the non-custodial parent is a key factor in ensuring that child support
payments are made regularly, as is detailed knowledge about income sources. Maintain records about the
non-custodial parent, including:
- Current and/or recent addresses
- Social security number
- Current and recent employers
- Names and contact information of friends, relatives and organizations to which he or she might belong
- Information about his or her income and assets (pay slips, tax returns, bank accounts,
investments, property holdings, etc.).
- Understand your options for getting help in child support collections should the need arise. Most people start
with their government agency. Other options include legal aid, private attorneys, online resources and private
agencies.
- Don’t use your kids as pawns for negotiation with the non-custodial parent. Keep your child's well-being and
the child support issue separate.
- Educate yourself. The child support laws are different in each state, so be sure you’re familiar with the laws
that apply in your case.
- Advocate for your family. The longer your family goes without the child support owed, the more difficult it
will be to collect. Be proactive in seeking out the money that is owed to your children.
Vanessa Diaz is a vice president with Supportkids (and a former client). The company was founded to assist
custodial parents who have sought help from government agencies and others but have not received the child
support owed them. The company offers a risk-free alternative to custodial parents working to raise their
families, often on a single income or by working two jobs. All cases are handled on a contingency basis;
the company does not receive payment until child support is collected.
About Supportkids
With clients all across the nation, the company receives over 50,000 inquiries a month from custodial parents
seeking help in collecting child support and has collected over $290 million in child support for families nationwide.
Supportkids uses on-site investigators and cooperation with state and federal agencies to fulfill its mission to end
the struggle of unpaid child support. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.supportkids.com or
call 1-800-305-KIDS.
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