How do I seek child support?
The Family Support Division does not represent individuals in child support cases. For a case to be initiated by the Prosecutor's Office, it must be referred by the Division of Child Support.

What kinds of child support cases does the Prosecutor's Office handle?
The Prosecutor's Family Support Division files paternity cases to determine the legal father and set child support, modification cases to update prior child support orders and contempt cases to enforce child support when the obligated parent is not paying.

How can I have the Prosecutor open a case for me?
The Prosecutor's cases come from the Division of Child Support. We cannot start cases at the request of individuals. The Prosecutor represents the State; we are not lawyers for any of the parents or alleged parents in a case.

Do I need a lawyer to represent me in a child support case?
People can either represent themselves or hire an attorney to do so. Public defenders may be appointed to the obligated parent in contempt cases because they face the possibility of jail time if they do not begin paying their child support. The Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service that can provide assistance finding a lawyer. The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk has domestic relations facilitators who assist parties without lawyers for a small fee. For an appointment, call (253) 798-3627. The required forms for family law cases can also be found online at http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/.

How do I get custody or visitation rights?
The Prosecutor's Office does not get involved in custody or visitation issues. Parents must either hire an attorney or represent themselves.

Will the Prosecutor work on divorce or non-parental custody cases?
No, the Prosecutor's Office cannot help parties in these types of cases. However if a child involved in these cases has received TANF (cash) or state medical benefits, notice of the case must be given to the Prosecutor's Office at 949 Court E, Tacoma, WA 98402. The notice must follow the rules of court.

How is child support calculated?
The legislature sets the rules for calculating child support by examining both parents' incomes. Both parents are required to submit financial information which will be filed with the court and sent to the other party. See the Revised Code of Washington 26.19 for the law on this subject.

Can I keep my information confidential?
In most cases, you can provide an alternative address for service of all legal papers. You must update that address with the Prosecutor, the Court and the Division of Child Support any time it changes or you may miss out on important information regarding your case. You can and should black out social security numbers, financial account numbers, driver's license numbers and telephone numbers for you and your minor child(ren) on any documents you submit to the Prosecutor's Office.

Can I get genetic testing done to see who the father is?
In many paternity cases, the court will order genetic tests and when the Prosecutor's Office is handling the paternity action, there is no cost to the parties. However, if the parties get their own genetic testing done before the court orders it, those results may not be allowed by the court. In some situations, genetic testing will not be allowed. The Prosecutor's genetic test results will be sent by mail 2-4 weeks after the tests have been taken. We will not give results over the phone.

How can I be the father and have to pay child support when I never had genetic tests?
A man may be a legal father although not necessarily the biological father. This can occur if he adopted the child, signed a paternity affidavit, avoided taking a genetic test after being ordered by the court to do so, or if he is the presumed father because he was married to the mother and she had the child during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage ended. An attorney should be consulted to determine if there are any exceptions to these circumstances.

What can I do if I have an arrest warrant for a child support case?
A warrant for your arrest may be issued if you did not appear for a contempt court hearing. You need to contact your lawyer if you have one, or the Prosecutor's Office if you do not. You will have to sign an order to appear for a new court hearing and usually either pay money toward child support or show proof that you are employed, depending on the facts of your case. Then your warrant will be quashed.

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