Child Support Lawyers - Enforcement Agency
States typically maintain a child support enforcement agency through the Attorney General's Office (State
Attorney). Assistance is provided as a public service, in addition to regularly monthly collection and reporting
of payments that may be required. Child support lawyers provided by the state are subject to different rules and
responsibilities:
- All child support lawyers are regulated through the state bar association. Private child support lawyers
may also be liable for malpractice in divorce and support cases, compared to Assistant State Attorney Generals
are usually provided immunity from malpractice suits.
- Private child support lawyers may offer representation to either parent in disputes matters, modification, collection, or
termination of payments.
- State child support lawyers typically represent only parents owed support in collection cases.
- A motion for modification of payments ordinarily requires proof of a substantially changed circumstance. Child support lawyers
may offer oral testimony, written documents, and expert opinions to support motions filed.
- Motions to enforce collection are filed by both private and state child support lawyers and may result in
incarceration.
- The standard of proof for criminal liability is different than the standard of proof required to collect
civil judgments.
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