Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on your role, you may appeal:

Custodial parents and custodial caregivers

• Administrative support orders

Noncustodial parents

• Administrative support orders
• Enforcement actions, including:
  • Wage withholding
  • State and federal tax intercepts
  • Orders to withhold
  • Credit reporting
  • Passport denial

Joint account holders

• Joint account notices for orders to withhold

If you have questions, contact your local Division of Child Support Enforcement office or call the DCSE call center: 1-800-468-8894

The following people may file an appeal:

• Custodial parents
• Custodial caregivers
• Noncustodial parents
• Joint account holders (third-party)

An attorney representing any of the parties.

All appeals must be submitted in writing and sent to the Appeals and Fair Hearings Unit.

Mail

Virginia Department of Social Services
 Appeals and Fair Hearings
 5600 Cox Road
 Glen Allen, VA 23860

Email: csappeal@dss.virginia.gov

Fax: 804-726-7656

You may:

• Talk with an attorney, and/or
• Appeal the decision in the appropriate court

If the appellant does not attend:

The appeal may be closed as abandoned. The DCSE action being appealed will remain in place.

If the other party does not attend:

The hearing may move forward without them. A written decision will be mailed afterward.

To request a new date:

• Contact your hearing officer before the scheduled hearing date.
• Be ready to explain the reason for your request.
• If needed, provide documents to support the request.

In some cases, yes.

• An attorney may represent a party.
• Representation may be allowed in limited other situations.

A person who is allowed to speak with DCSE is not automatically allowed to participate in the hearing.

To protect privacy, DCSE cannot share information about the other parent with a third party.

Yes. DCSE must submit:

• A summary of facts
• Case evidence

These materials must be submitted at least three workdays before the hearing.

Can a caseworker ask a hearing officer questions about a case that is not on appeal?

No. Hearing officers cannot advise on cases that are not under appeal.

Staff should contact:

• Their office management team, or
• Their office legal counsel