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1. Who is eligible for services from the child support division?

Custodial parents, non-custodial parents, and legal guardians can apply for child support services regardless of their level of income.

2. How can I apply for services?

You may pick up an application for services at the Prosecutor’s Office Child Support Division or print out the application online at: https://www.in.gov/dcs/2483.htm. Completed applications should be delivered to the Child Support Division of the Prosecutor’s Office (located directly behind the Jefferson County Courthouse in Downtown Madison) in person or by mail to 315 ½ E Second St. Madison, IN 47250.

3. Does the prosecuting attorney or the child support division also determine custody of the children and visitation rights, or settle visitation disputes?

No. You will need to seek the advice of an attorney outside of the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office regarding those issues.

4. Does the prosecuting attorney or the child support division also resolve property settlement matters?

No. You will need to seek the advice of an attorney outside of the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office regarding those issues.

5. Are the earnings of both parents considered in setting the amount of child support?

Yes. In Indiana, the Child Support Guidelines are used to calculate child support and take into consideration the income of both parents.

6. How are child support payments made

Federal regulations require the Child Support Division to open cases and establish accounts at the request of either parent. Support payments must be paid to the agency specified in the court order (usually the Jefferson County Clerk) for the other parent to receive credit. GENERALLY, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR PAYMENTS MADE TO THE CUSTODIAL PARENT OR IN-KIND PAYMENTS SUCH AS PURCHASE OF CLOTHING, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, RENT, ETC. Paying through the Clerk will ensure an accurate record of your payments. Payments should always clearly identify the case number and for whom the payment is made.

7. What if the parents of the child(ren) were never married to each other?

Then the Prosecutor’s Office can file a paternity action to establish Paternity in your case.

8. What is paternity and what does establishing paternity mean?

Paternity is fatherhood. Establishing paternity simply means to make the biological father the "legal" father.

9. Why is establishing paternity important?

Both parents and the child have the right to a parent-child relationship. Both parents and the child deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in this relationship. Both parents have the right to know and the responsibility to support their own son or daughter.

IDENTITY: It is important to know who we are. Your child has the right to the sense of belonging that comes from knowing both parents.

MONEY: The law requires both parents to support their children. This is true even with an unplanned pregnancy. Children supported by one parent often do not have enough money for their needs.

BENEFITS: Your child has the right to other benefits from both parents. These benefits may include Social Security, insurance benefits, inheritance rights, veteran's and other types of benefits.

MEDICAL: Your child may need a complete Medical history from the families of both parents. This could include inherited health problems.

10. What are the benefits to the father of establishing paternity?

The father has the opportunity to be a father to the child. He can experience the companionship and rewards that come with spending time with his child. The father has the right to establish and maintain a relationship with his child, as well as an obligation to financially support his child.

11. What if the father or mother is not 18?

The age of the father or mother is not relevant under paternity establishment laws.

12. How long after a child is born can paternity be established?

Indiana law permits a paternity action to be started any time before the child reaches the age of 21.

13. What does it mean to cooperate with the child support division?

It means you must provide any information or documents needed by the Child Support Division to establish paternity and/or locate the parent, and to get support payments for your child.