Child Support Services

Information for Noncustodial Parents

Noncustodial parents may enroll for Child Support Services to request establishment of paternity (if not previously established) or request a review of an existing child support order for a modification.

All Kansans can quickly and easily apply for child support services online. Visit CSSApply.dcf.ks.gov to enroll online or call 1-888-757-2445 to speak with a child support representative!

Click Here to Apply

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Served with Paperwork

The noncustodial parent may be served with a notice of action or other legal document when a child support order is being established. Prompt communication with CSS is important. If you receive paperwork or other information from CSS, a response is typically required. If you are properly served with a notice of action and do not respond, the court may continue with a child support order without your participation or input.
I was served with a DCF petition or notice of action. What do I do?

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Visit the Kansas Judicial Council website for instructions and forms to respond. You may also call Child Support Services at 1-888-757-2445 to speak with a Child Support Specialist. CSS cannot give legal advice.
Do I have to respond to CSS if I don’t agree with the information I have received or if I don’t think I am the parent?

Prompt communication with CSS is important. If you receive paperwork or other information from CSS, a response is typically required. If you are properly served with a notice of action and do not respond, the court may continue with a child support order without your participation or input.

Call Child Support Services at 1-888-757-2445 to speak with a Child Support Specialist.
How is the amount of monthly child support set?

CSS uses the Kansas Child Support Guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to consider the circumstances of those who pay and those who receive payment to calculate a fair amount for child support. A judge will review the information and order a monthly amount to be paid.
What if I am not sure I am the father?

If there is a question about paternity, you may request genetic testing. CSS will assist in scheduling the mother, child, and possible father for testing at no cost. DNA is collected from the inside of the mouth, and the samples are sent to a laboratory for comparison. Once all parties have been tested, it typically takes six to eight weeks to receive the results.

The State of Kansas covers the cost of initial genetic testing. If one party disputes the test results, that party would then be responsible for the cost of any additional testing.

Genetic tests are fast, simple, and accurate and will rule out a person who is not the biological father.

Situations may exist where CSS cannot legally conduct genetic testing, and in these cases, you will be advised to contact your attorney.
Do I have a right to spend time with my child (parenting time)?

Child Support Services is unable to assist with establishing or enforcing parenting time, visitation, or custody matters.

If there is no court order for parenting time, you and the custodial party can create informal arrangements that are agreed upon by both parties, or it can be handled by a private attorney.

Once a paternity and/or support order is established, either party may ask a court to set parenting time arrangements. If there is a disagreement, the court would have to settle this matter.

Parents Who Owe Support

Once support orders have been established and a judge has ordered a monthly amount to be paid, CSS monitors the order to ensure payments are made regularly and in the correct amount.
How is the amount of monthly child support set?

CSS uses the Kansas Child Support Guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to consider the circumstances of those who pay and those who receive payment to calculate a fair amount for child support. A judge will review the information and order a monthly amount to be paid.
Where do I send support payments?

All support payments in Kansas are processed by the Kansas Payment Center (KPC). The KPC has many options and services for parents paying support. To learn more, visit our Kansas Payment Center page or the KPC website at kspaycenter.com.
What enforcement actions can CSS take to ensure payment?

An order for child support does not guarantee that child support will be paid each month; therefore, CSS continuously monitors and reports non-paying individuals for administrative actions. Kansas CSS has access to resources to help children receive the support they need. Visit the Enforcement page for information on the unique tools CSS can implement to enforce the support orders.
What happens if I change jobs?

You should contact the Child Support Call Center immediately to report any new employment. If CSS knows who the new employer is, the Income Withholding Order (IWO) can be sent to the employer. You are responsible for making payments on your own through the Kansas Payment Center until the new IWO is in place.
If I am not making my child support payments, does the custodial party have to allow parenting time?

Child Support Services is unable to assist with establishing or enforcing parenting time, visitation, or custody matters.

If there is no court order for parenting time, you and the custodial party can create informal arrangements that are agreed upon by both parties or it can be handled by a private attorney.

Once a paternity and/or support order is established, either party may ask a court to set parenting time arrangements. If there is a disagreement, the court would have to settle this matter.
My monthly child support has always been the same. Can I change it?

As life changes, so should the child support order. Modifications to the order ensure children are supported at every stage of life.

Every three years, parties can request CSS review their case for modification. Child and medical support orders may also be reviewed due to a change in circumstances, such as the child’s age or out-of-pocket health insurance costs.

An increase or reduction in child support amounts is not guaranteed, and this process may take several months to be completed. A modification packet can be requested by calling Kansas Child Support Services at 1-888-757-2445.

CSS provides guidance throughout the modification process to help all parties understand when to request a review and what should be expected when documents are submitted. CSS is here for every step.
How long will the order for current support last?

It depends on the law of the state that issues the order. For Kansas orders, current support lasts until the child emancipates (reaches adulthood). For most children, that is their 18th birthday. If a child turns eighteen while still attending high school, the child’s current support order automatically continues until the end of that school year. In very rare cases, the court may order support to continue until the child turns nineteen if the child is still in high school. If you think this will apply to your child, you must tell CSS before the child turns 18.

Kansas current support orders automatically go down as each child emancipates. For example, an order for three children will be reduced by one-third when the oldest child becomes an adult.
My parental rights were terminated. Do I still have to pay child support?

Ongoing child support orders will end once a parent’s rights are terminated, meaning no future child support will accrue. However, any past-due child support, also known as arrears, must be paid. You remain responsible for paying off any unpaid amounts until the child support obligation is paid in full.
Do I have to pay child support if I’m with my child’s other parent?
When families are not living in the same household, the responsibility to provide for the children often falls on the parent who lives with the children. These parents frequently rely on the Kansas Department for Children and Families for necessary services, such as:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Medical Assistance
- Child Care Assistance
- SNAP Food Assistance
In these circumstances, the custodial party must cooperate with CSS, and a child support order will be pursued.
Do I still owe child support even if I’m not employed?

Child support will continue to accrue if not paid. The unpaid support is referred to as arrears. The party ordered to pay support is responsible for the arrears until paid in full.

Payments can be sent to the Kansas Payment Center while looking for work. Once employment is obtained, CSS should be notified so the necessary adjustments can be made to reflect your current financial situation.
Are there any services available to help me get a job so I can pay my child support?

If a paying party is receiving benefit assistance, such as Food Assistance, from the Kansas Department for Children and Families, they may be eligible for services to help them find and keep a job. Contact 1-888-369-4777 for more information.

KansasWorks is another service to help job seekers find employment and training opportunities. Visit www.kansasworks.com for more information.
Can CSS take my tax refund?

Yes. If the party ordered to pay support owes arrears to the State of Kansas or to the custodial party, federal or state tax returns may be intercepted. The amount will be applied as a payment toward any arrears amount owed.

Visit the Enforcement page for more information on actions that CSS can take to collect child support that is owed to the custodial party or to the state.
Can CSS restrict me from getting certain licenses in Kansas?

CSS continuously monitors and reports non-paying individuals for administrative actions. These actions may impact the ability to obtain hunting and fishing licenses from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Additional sanctions such as restriction of a driver’s license or denial of a passport may also be imposed.

Visit the Enforcement page for more information on actions that CSS can take to collect child support that is owed to the custodial party or to the state.
I’ve declared bankruptcy. Do I still have to pay child support?

Generally, the answer is yes. However, the answer can depend on the type of debt owed (current or arrears only) and the type of bankruptcy that was filed and when it was filed.

If the noncustodial party files for bankruptcy, contact CSS as early as possible so appropriate actions can be taken.
Are there incentives available to reduce the past-due child support owed to the State of Kansas?

Kansas CSS offers an incentive program to anyone owing arrears child support to the State of Kansas. The focus of the incentive program is to work with parents who owe support to achieve stable employment. There is a lifetime limit of $4,500 in arrears forgiveness. Click here to learn more about the incentive program.

Incarcerated Parents Who Owe Support

Once support orders have been established and a judge has ordered a monthly amount to be paid, CSS monitors the order to ensure payments are made regularly and in the correct amount, even if the noncustodial party is incarcerated.
Do I still owe child support while I’m incarcerated?

Yes. Once a child support order is established, the child support continues to accrue even if you are incarcerated. Prompt communication with CSS is important to determine the next steps.
I don’t have any income while I’m incarcerated. Do I still have to pay? Can I get my child support amount reduced?

Child support will continue to accrue even if it is not paid. This past due support is referred to as child support arrears. You are responsible for support until arrears are paid off. CSS can garnish inmate accounts of those incarcerated by the Kansas Department of Corrections.

A modification shall be initiated upon learning of a payor's incarceration being over 180 days. There is no guarantee the child support amount will be reduced, and it may take several months for the court order process to be completed. If the child support amount is reduced, the new payment amount will take effect once the modified child support order has been filed and approved by the judge. Arrears cannot be modified or reduced.
I currently have income while incarcerated. How do I make a child support payment?

If an individual works in a private industry or is on work release in Kansas, CSS is required by federal law to issue Income Withholding Orders (IWOs) to the Kansas Department of Corrections for both current child support payments and any arrears. CSS cannot issue IWOs or garnish inmate accounts of those incarcerated in federal facilities. Federal inmates should make voluntary payments to avoid falling behind on their child support obligations.
Can I have someone else talk to CSS on my behalf while I am incarcerated?

Yes. A signed release of information form is required to be submitted to CSS naming the appointed party. This could be an attorney or a trusted individual. Contact CSS to request a release of information form.
What should I do about my child support case once I am released from prison?

You should contact CSS once released from prison to provide an update on their current address, living situation, and employment status. Prompt communication with CSS is important to determine the next steps.
Are there incentives available to reduce the past-due child support owed to the State of Kansas?

Kansas CSS offers an incentive program to anyone owing arrears child support to the State of Kansas. The focus of the incentive program is to work with parents who owe support to achieve stable employment. There is a lifetime limit of $4,500 in arrears forgiveness. Click here to learn more about the incentive program.

Incentives

CSS offers an incentive program for any individual who owes past-due child support (arrears) to the State of Kansas. By participating in the incentive program, individuals can reduce their past-due child support amount by up to $4,500. Call 1-888-757-2445 or click here for more information.