Applying for Services

A child support case is automatically opened when the child is on public assistance or the custodial parent fills out an application for child support. To apply for child support enforcement services, the applicant must complete an Application for Services and return it to the appropriate local office.

Click here to print an application for services. Applications can also be requested by mail or in person at a local office. The application can be completed in the office or mailed to the office when it is complete.

Applicants for child support services must sign the application for child support services and affirm that:

• The child support attorney represents the state and not you individually.
• Petitions are based on information provided by you and filed for the purpose of enforcing a legal obligation and not for harassment.
• The child support agency does not guarantee success of any action or results within any specific time frame.
• Services are limited to child support and do not include custody or visitation.
• Since anyone in the state may apply for services, the agency may provide services to others whose interests may be opposed to your own.
• There is no direct fee for services, but you may have to pay court filing fees and other court costs.
• If you previously received Families First benefits (or AFDC), but no longer do so, you will receive all child support collected for current support and any arrears that are owed to you. Once you have received all arrears, any additional arrearage collected will repay the state for the assistance grants paid to your family. All collections received form the Treasury Offset Program, however, must first be used to repay arrearages due to the state.
• You must notify the local child support office if the children for whom you seek services become recipients of TennCare/Medicaid or leave your custody.
• Your case will be submitted to the Federal Offset Program if certain conditions are met. If your case is submitted for this program, there is no guarantee that money will be collected. Certain restrictions also apply on distribution of these collections.

You have the right to request a review of your child support order to see if the amount of child support needs to be modified or health insurance needs to be added.

Click here to print an application for services.

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