What happens when child support can't find the father?

When child support agencies can't immediately find a father, they initiate a comprehensive and persistent search using a wide array of resources and services designed specifically for locating noncustodial parents. The goal is always to establish paternity (if needed) and enforce the child support obligation.

Initial Steps to Locate a Parent

The process of locating a noncustodial parent, often referred to as "parent locate services," begins with utilizing all available information provided by the custodial parent. This typically includes details like the father's full name, date of birth, last known address, employer, and social security number.

If the noncustodial parent cannot be found locally through initial checks, the child support office will escalate the search. They will request the State Parent Locator Service (SPLS) to conduct a broader search. This service, and its federal counterpart, are crucial tools in tracking individuals across state lines and through various databases.

The Role of Parent Locator Services

Both state and federal parent locator services play a pivotal role in the search for missing parents. They have access to secure, confidential databases that are not publicly available.

• State Parent Locator Service (SPLS): Each state operates an SPLS, which can access state-specific records, including:

  • New hire reporting information
  • Motor vehicle registration
  • Driver's license records
  • Occupational licenses
  • Unemployment insurance records
  • State tax records
  • Corrections and probation records

• Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS): If the SPLS search is unsuccessful or if there's reason to believe the parent has moved out of state, the case is typically forwarded to the FPLS. The FPLS is a powerful nationwide system that can access information from federal agencies, including:

  • Social Security Administration (SSA)
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Department of Defense (DOD)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • National Directory of New Hires (NDNH)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fugitives
  • Federal correctional facilities

Tools and Resources Utilized

Beyond the parent locator services, child support agencies employ a variety of other strategies and tools to find a missing father:

• Employment Information: Checking new hire databases, wage records, and unemployment insurance claims can often reveal current or recent employment.
• Financial Data: Information from banks or credit bureaus may provide clues to a parent's whereabouts or financial activity.
• Public Records: This includes property ownership, voter registration, and utility accounts.
• Law Enforcement: In some cases, particularly if there's an outstanding warrant or the father is evading service, law enforcement assistance may be sought.
• Interstate Cooperation: Child support agencies work closely with their counterparts in other states through mechanisms like the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders across state lines.
• International Cooperation: For cases where a father may be in another country, the U.S. has agreements with several foreign countries to facilitate the establishment and enforcement of child support orders.

What If the Father Is Out of State or Country?

Finding a father who has moved across state lines or internationally adds layers of complexity, but it does not stop the search.

• Interstate Cases: Under UIFSA, a state can request assistance from another state's child support agency to locate, establish paternity, set an order, or enforce an existing order. This ensures that a parent cannot simply move to avoid their obligations.
• International Cases: The U.S. has reciprocal agreements or conventions with numerous countries (often referred to as "Reciprocating Countries" or "Convention Partners") that allow for the exchange of information and enforcement of child support orders. The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) assists states with these international cases.

Implications for the Custodial Parent

While child support agencies are persistent, the process of locating a missing parent can take time. During this period:

• Delayed Support: The custodial parent may experience delays in receiving child support payments.
• Paternity Establishment: If paternity has not yet been legally established, the location process must often precede or happen concurrently with efforts to confirm legal fatherhood.
• Continued Efforts: The child support agency will typically keep the case open and continue to periodically re-run searches for new information.

When All Efforts Fail

It is rare for a noncustodial parent to be permanently unfound, given the extensive national and international tools available. However, in cases where all current locate efforts have been exhausted:

• The case may be designated as "locate failure" for a period, but the child support obligation does not disappear.
• The agency may periodically review the case and initiate new searches if new information becomes available or if there are technological advancements in locate methods.
• The custodial parent may not receive immediate financial support, but the legal obligation for child support remains, and arrears can accumulate once an order is established, even if collection is delayed.

Here's a summary of key actions when a father cannot be found:

Child support agencies are committed to finding noncustodial parents to ensure children receive the financial support they are entitled to, leveraging sophisticated systems and inter-agency cooperation to overcome locate challenges.