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1. My ex is expecting a tax refund. Will I get that money, and when?

We're sorry, but we probably don't know, and we would not be permitted to disclose that information to you even if we did know. Federal tax information is protected by a very high level of security, and we are absolutely not permitted to discuss it with anyone other than the taxpayer.

What we can tell you is that, if the non-custodial parent owes past-due child support and is eligible for tax interception, we have requested the interception of State and Federal tax refunds. However, there are a number of reasons why our request may not be honored. For example, if the non-custodial owes back taxes, the tax refund will be applied to that debt first. If the non-custodial parent has another child support obligation, the refund may be applied to that case instead of yours. If you were (or are) receiving TANF benefits and the State has not been reimbursed for those benefits, the federal tax refund will be applied first to any amount owed to the State.

2. How do I get out of your program?

Only custodial parents who are receiving TANF or benefits for themselves and their child(ren) are required to participate in the Title IV-D Program. In all other cases, however, participation in the Title IV-D Program is voluntary. If you would like to withdraw from the program and are eligible to do so, please send us a written request and the required opt off from will be mailed to you. Your case will not close until the opt off form is signed and returned to the IV-D office.

3. The other parent owes me a lot of past-due child support, and I know I will never see it. Can I just write that off, so he will quit giving me a hard time about it?

No. In Indiana, parents cannot make deals between themselves regarding child support. Only a court can decide how much child support is owed. Even a court normally cannot write off or modify the amount of past-due child support that is owed. The reason for this rule is that the right to receive support belongs to the child, not to the custodial parent, and it is not in the child's best interest to let the non-custodial parent out of his or her current or past support obligation.

4. The other parent got a new job and is making a lot more money. Why aren't I getting more child support?

A person's child support obligation does not automatically increase or decrease when that person's (or the other parent's) income changes. If you wish to look into changing the amount of support the non-custodial parent is ordered to pay, please see our web page about modifying your child support.

5. The other parent lives in another state. Can you help me get child support?

Probably. Please see our web page about interstate cases. Interstate Cases

6. Why can't you find my ex?

We have a full-time staff who locates people and their assets. We have access to information at local, state-wide, and national levels. That information includes police reports and criminal records; prison and jail records; credit bureau reports; addresses and phone numbers; employment and wage reports; financial accounts, credit bureau reports, vehicle registrations, professional licenses, civil law suits, passports, and many more. However, it is still possible for a person to evade our search. Often the custodial parent is our best source of leads in locating someone. We welcome and appreciate any information you can provide.

7. I keep going to court and nothing ever happens. Why can't you just throw the other parent in jail?

The Title IV-D Program has no authority to incarcerate someone. Only a court can do that. You have the right to attend every court hearing and speak to the court. You can make recommendations about appropriate sanctions for contempt, including a request that the non-custodial parent be incarcerated. We will also attend every court hearing and make our recommendations. Ultimately, however, it is up to the court alone to decide how to handle each case.

8. You sanctioned my TANF benefits. How do I get them back?

If we sanctioned your TANF benefits, it is because you failed to keep an appointment with us, attend a court hearing, or provide us with information that we need to administer your child support case. You can come to our office any Friday morning between 8:30 and 10:30 to meet with an intake representative. You do not need an appointment. We will explain what information or assistance we need from you. As soon as you cooperate with our request, we will ask that your benefits be restored.

9. How long does it take to get child support?

The answer to that question depends on a large number of factors, many of which our office has no control over, so we will provide just some very general answers on our child suppor answer page.

10. Why do I have to submit all my questions to your office in writing?

The short answer is: (1) to protect your privacy, and (2) to provide the highest level of customer service with the limited resources that we have. First, we need to make sure that we provide information only to the person who has the right to receive it. By requiring that you make your request in writing and provide proof of identity, we can be certain that we are communicating only with you. Second, we administer approximately 5,300 child support cases and receive approximately 500 requests for information or service a month. We track every request through our quality control system to make sure that each one is answered as quickly, accurately, and completely as possible.

Although we do not provide case-specific information over the phone, you can discuss your case in person with a Deputy Prosecutor or customer service representative by stopping by our office any Wednesday or Thursday during regular business hours. You do not need an appointment.