Under normal circumstances, it’s common for questions or concerns about child support payments to arise. However, with the added complications caused by the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, separated and divorced parents are facing new challenges when it comes to child support. As Ohio gradually begins to start easing stay-at-home guidelines over the next few weeks and months, it’s worth taking a look at some ways that the COVID-19 outbreak may impact your child support agreement in Butler County.
Avoid In-Person Meetings Whenever Possible
While the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) in Butler County remains open and willing to help customers via phone call during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m, Monday through Friday), customers are encouraged to limit in-person visits as much as possible. Instead, the CSEA asks people to mail their documents to the agency whenever possible. If an in-person meeting needs to happen, the agency will work with the individual to ensure that all social distancing measures are in place to discourage the spread of the virus.
Alternative Ways to Make Child Support Payments
As members of the public are actively encouraged to avoid gathering together as much as possible, the CSEA in Butler County is inviting people to make child support payments over the phone instead of in-person. You also have the option to pay online via your checking or savings account, or using a debit or credit card. More information about online child support payments can be found here.
Economic Stimulus Payments & Child Support
Although Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020, child support debt can still be taken out of your stimulus check. If you are a non-custodial parent who still owes child support that is past due, these payments may be intercepted before you receive your check. For more information about how economic impact payments may be affected by child support, click here.
If you need trusted and compassionate legal guidance regarding a child support matter in the West Chester area, reach out to the dedicated family law attorneys at Garretson & Holcomb, LLC by calling (513) 863-6600 today.
