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  1. #1

    Default Paying Child Support Before The Garnishment Order Is Entered

    My question involves child support in the State of: Maryland

    My ex and I went to court in March to finalize child support/visitation. He requested and was granted that beginning in April, child support be taken from me, via wage garnishment through the state support enforcement agency. May comes around, and because he's procrastinated getting the paperwork together, still no letter, no garnishment. Over the course of the last week, he e-mailed me about March's child support. After digging, I realize that I have not paid it, so I tell him, very politely, that I'm sorry, and as soon as I have an account number through the state, that I WILL send it to them to be credited to my account. This is, evidently, unacceptable to him. He wants it paid directly to him, and I, because of various missunderstandings throughout our separation/divorce, would prefer to have it documented through the state. He is now insisting that the state agency WILL NOT accept March's child support, and is threatening me with court. I have not denied that I owe him, simply stated that I want it documented with the proper agency, so there are no issues on down the road. Am I completely wrong in this?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    755

    Default Re: March Vs. April Ordered Support

    If you were ordered to pay starting on xxx date, then you have to pay. Whether it's through the state via garnishment, or a personal check directly to him. What could happen, is that when the state starts the garnishments, it may show an arrearage. If that's the case, send them copies of your cancelled personal checks.
    If, for example, you are 4 weeks behind on payments, I would write 4 personal checks and send them to the CP. Write in the memo field "Support for 4-1 to 4-9" or whatever the dates are that you are behind on.
    It's usually chaos when garnishments starts, but it has a way of working itself out within a month or 2.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    1,948

    Default Re: March Vs. April Ordered Support

    Yes - you are wrong. The order is effective April 1st.
    You need to pay your X for March directly. March will not be garnished.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Paying Child Support Before The Garnishment Order Is Entered

    I know that March will not be garnished, I simply want to send it to them, instead of him so that it will be documented.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    1,948

    Angry Re: Paying Child Support Before The Garnishment Order Is Entered

    WHY?
    In order to force the other parent to wait even longer for the agency to pass on the funds you were supposed to send directly to him for the support of your child over two months ago??

    Just send him the damn check.
    The cashed and canceled check is your receipt.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Paying Child Support Before The Garnishment Order Is Entered

    Why are you being so rude? I appreciate your input though. My ex has lied, and reniged on agreements during our entire separation and divorce. I think putting the state agency in charge of handling the money will keep that from happening again.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Officially across the country from where I've been all my life
    Posts
    4,494

    Default Re: Paying Child Support Before The Garnishment Order Is Entered

    Everyone here is incorrect. You need to send the payment for March to the State Disbursement Unit or you will NOT get credit for it. When they input your information into their system, it will include the money that is owed for March. You'll end up paying twice or relying on your ex to tell CSE that she received the money, then rely on CSE to relay it to the disbursement unit.

    DO NOT SEND IT TO YOUR EX DIRECTLY.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Officially across the country from where I've been all my life
    Posts
    4,494

    Default Re: Paying Child Support Before The Garnishment Order Is Entered

    Alternatively, you can probably make your payment directly in the Child Support Enforcement office for proper crediting. Most states allow you to do so, even before you receive the documentation regarding your account number in the mail. Write your case number on the check.

  9. #9

    Default Re: Paying Child Support Before The Garnishment Order Is Entered

    You are absolutely right in being cautious. Many states have their own rules for making child support payments, and getting the proper credit for those payments.

    A lot of states have specific rules that unconditionally require ALL payments to be made through a state agency or they will be considered as GIFTS, and no credit will be given if direct payments are made to the custodial parent.

    Here is a link that will provide you with the necessary contact information to better answer your question: http://www.dhr.state.md.us/csea/contact.htm

    Hope this helps you.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    1,948

    Thumbs down Re: Paying Child Support Before The Garnishment Order Is Entered

    Quote Quoting kamikake
    View Post
    Why are you being so rude?
    I'm being direct (aka rude) because you had a hearing in March that determined CS would be handled thru a government agency effective in April. You should have paid the March child support in March. I think it is a terrible thing for any parent to be late on CS payments - whether it be the father or the mother.

    When they input your information into their system, it will include the money that is owed for March.
    Why? How would CSE know to include anything other than what is stated in the court order - to start collecting in April?
    Wouldn't that be overstepping their bounds?

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