How and Where to Pay
Will the support payments be paid directly to me?
Can I send the payment directly to my spouse?
The Court Order states who receives the support payments. It is suggested to read the Order very carefully; failure to make payments may constitute contempt. If it is not instructed in your Court Order and you make direct payments to the custodial parent, you may not receive credit for payments. See Florida Statutes s. 61.13.
Can multiple cases be paid with one check?
Yes. To ensure proper payment and credit, all checks should include a distribution list. This list includes the case number, county name, custodial and non-custodial parent's names, non-custodial parent's Social Security Number, and the amount of money allotted to each case. See Florida Statutes s. 61.13(e).
I have a new address or a new name. What do I need to do?
If you have a change in name or address or any other personal information, which may affect your child support payments or the child support record, you are responsible for notifying the Clerk's Office, DOR or the SDU. Your changes should be put in writing and mailed to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, (the county's address in which your support case is filed). Always remember to include your case number on any correspondence. See Florida Statutes ss. 61.13(9) and 61.1824(5).
Who will maintain the records and payment history for my case? How may I obtain copies?
The Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where your case is filed will be responsible for initially setting up the case, maintaining a written record of all Court hearings, tracking the payment history, and maintaining records on arrearages. A copy of the payment history may be obtained from the Clerk's Office. There may be fees for this process; you will need to contact the Clerk's Office where the latest order is filed for fee information. Also, the payment history information may be obtained through the Internet, from MyFloridaCounty.com; however, only the last five payments will be displayed. See Florida Statutes s.61.1826.
