Child Support

Child Support Payments and Arrangements in Rhode Island

If you are a non-custodial parent in Rhode Island, child support is calculated using a formula that takes into account the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the amount of time each child spends with each parent. The goal of child support is to ensure that each child has access to the same standard of living, regardless of which parent they live with.

In Rhode Island, child support payments are typically made through the state’s Child Support Enforcement Program (CSEP). This program works with both parents to set up a payment plan and then collects and distributes payments as needed. If either parent falls behind on their payments, CSEP has several tools at its disposal to enforce the child support order, including wage garnishment and intercepting tax refunds.

If you have any questions about child support in Rhode Island, or if you need help calculating your payments, you should contact an experienced family law attorney in your area.

How can you modify or terminate your child support order in Rhode Island court proceedings?

There are several reasons why you might want to modify your child support order. Perhaps you have lost your job or had a significant decrease in your income. Maybe the needs of your child have changed, or the amount of time they spend with each parent has been modified.

If you need to modify your child support order, you will need to file a Motion to Modify Child Support with the court that issued the original order. You will also need to serve this motion on the other parent, as well as the Rhode Island Department of Human Services Office of Child Support Services.

Can you get child support if the other parent does not live in Rhode Island anymore, but still owes back child support payments from a previous order in another state court system? 

The answer to this question is yes, you can still get child support even if the other parent no longer lives in Rhode Island. If the other parent owes back child support payments from a previous order in another state court system, you can contact the CSEP to help you enforce the order and collect the payments that are owed.

How do I enforce my child support order if the other parent stops making payments?

If the other parent stops making payments, you can contact the CSEP to help you enforce the order. The CSEP has several tools at its disposal to enforce child support orders, including wage garnishment and intercepting tax refunds.

You can also file a Motion for Contempt with the court that issued the original child support order. This motion asks the court to find the other parent in contempt of court for failing to make the required payments. If the other parent is found in contempt, they may be ordered to pay a fine, go to jail or both.

RI Immigration & Family Law: Child Support & Custody Lawyers

If you have questions about your child support case, the best person to talk to is an experienced family law attorney in your area. An attorney will be able to answer any questions you have and help you navigate the child support system in Rhode Island. RI Immigration & Family Law has experience handling child support cases and can help you get the outcome you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.