Multiple State Orders

If your child support case involves another state, more than one child support agency may work on your case. 

What happens next depends on where you and the other parent live and what action is needed.

When child support is collected across different states, payments may be sent from one child support agency to another before they reach the obligee. This helps make sure payments are credited and sent correctly.

When parents live in different states, paternity can still be established.

Depending on the situation, Virginia may be able to help directly. If Virginia cannot take action, DCSE may work with another state to help establish paternity.

Once a court legally establishes paternity, that decision is usually recognized and followed by other states.

If an order already exists, you may ask for a review to see if a change is possible. Only one state can make changes to an order at a time. DCSE works with other states to make sure the correct order is followed.

Having complete and current information can help move your case forward. You may be asked to provide:

• Current addresses, phone numbers and employer information (if known)
• Copies of child support orders or court papers you have
• Payment records or case information you have received from another state.
• Information needed to establish paternity, if paternity has not been legally established

If anything changes (address, phone number, job or custody), let DCSE know as soon as possible.