What Is Expected Of Me?

If you are thinking of applying for public assistance, you may want to contact your local District Attorney first. They may be able to help you get child support, which may mean you can avoid going on public assistance.

If you receive public assistance, you are required to cooperate with the Division of Child Support. However, if you can show that to do so would be harmful to you or your child, you may be exempt from cooperating. Whether you receive public assistance or not, your cooperation with the enforcing agency is very necessary to the success of collecting support or establishing paternity.

Any facts you have about the noncustodial parent are helpful in enforcing support. Although it is not a requirement for application, you should include as many of the following pieces of information as you can on the application to help the caseworker locate the parent and enforce support:

The full name and address (or last known location) of the noncustodial parent
The parent`s Social Security Number (this can be found on things such as pay stubs, old tax forms, health insurance forms, and drivers` licenses issued by some states)
The parent`s date of birth (or approximate age)
The present or last place the parent worked
The county and state in which the divorce occurred, if there was one, and a copy of the order, or the county and state where there is any other support order
The child(ren)`s birth certificate and Social Security Number
Information on any assets such as bank accounts, vehicles, or land the noncustodial parent might have

Other Oregon Family Law FAQs

Q: What Is The Child Support Program?
A: Federal law requires each state to have a child support program. In Oregon, the Department of Human Services oversees the program. It is the goal of the Child Support … More
Q: When Should I Apply For Child Support Services?
A: Every child has the right to have the support of both parents. The Child Support Program may be able to help if you are having problems: Establishing who the father of … More
Q: Who Is Entitled To Child Support Services?
A: Child support services are available to both custodial and noncustodial parents. Even if you or the other parent live in another state, you can apply for services in … More
Q: What Agency In Oregon Enforces Child Support Orders?
A: The Central Operations Region Accounting Teams of DCS provide the billing and accounting services. These Teams have a 24hour tollfree number (below) to help … More
Q: How Do I Get Services?
A: If your child receives public assistance, your child support case should be referred to DCS automatically. That is also true if your child is in the custody of the … More
Q: What Services Will The Division Of Child Suppot Not Provide?
A: Legal Advice Neither the Division of Child Support (DCS) nor the District Attorney is your attorney. They cannot give you legal advice. They represent the State … More
Q: What If I Have A Grievance?
A: Parties in child support cases are entitled to fair, professional, courteous and accurate service from offices of the Oregon Child Support Program. If you have a … More
Q: Who Do I Contact?
A: If you receive public assistance and have questions about establishing paternity or establishing, modifying or enforcing a support order, contact the nearest Division … More
Q: In Oregon, Can a Spouse Give Up His or Her Right to Alimony in a Premarital Agreement?
A: Yes, Oregon law allows spouses to include modification or elimination of spousal support in their prenuptial agreement. However, if that modification or … More
Q: What Steps are Necessary to Enter a Valid Premarital Agreement in Oregon?
A: The Oregon Uniform Premarital Agreement Act requires that premarital agreements be in writing and signed by both parties. In order to be valid, the agreement … More