What services are offered by the DeKalb County District Attorney's UIFSA division?
Establishment, Enforcement and Modification of child support orders for DeKalb County residents who have a non-custodial/absent parent living in another state with a duty to provide support or a court ordered child support obligation. The office handles Inter-state cases only.
The office also receives petitions from custodial parents living in another state with a non-custodial/absent parent living in DeKalb County.
For information about child support services for in-state cases, DeKalb County Residents with a non-custodial/absent parent living in DeKalb county or elsewhere in the State of Georgia may contact:
1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347)
dec_samscse@dhs.ga.gov
Or you may visit the local child support office at:
Stone Mountain Decatur
Region 8 Office
2910 Miller Road
Suite 100
Decatur, Georgia 30035
Get Directions
What do I need to open a UIFSA case to establish a child support order?
You will need the following to open a UIFSA Case to establish a child support order:
· A certified copy of the birth certificate for the child or children
· The Social Security Number for the child or children for whom the order is to be established and a copy of the Social Security Card.
· A home or employment address for the non-custodial/absent parent. If you do not have an address we can assist with locate services.
· Completed application and UIFSA Petition.
You can apply for services online or download an application at https://services.georgia.gov/dhr/cspp/do/public/ApplyNow . A $25.00 Application Fee is typically required by the State of Georgia. The fee is waived if you are receiving TANF benefits.
Additionally, you may contact the Office of the District Attorney UIFSA division to get an Orientation packet which includes the UIFSA petition that you must complete. The petition will be sent, along with the documents listed above, to the non-custodial/absent parent's state. The packet will also include a date and time for you to come to the office for Orientation.
You may contact the Office of the District Attorney, UIFSA Division at 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347) or via email at: dec_Poncecse@dhs.ga.gov .
What do I need to open a UIFSA case if I already have a child support order?
You will need the following to open a UIFSA case if you already have a child support order:
· A certified copy of the order of child support
· The Social Security Number for the child or children on the order and a copy of the Social Security Card.
· A home or employment address for the non-custodial/absent parent. If you do not have an address we can assist with locate services.
· Completed application and UIFSA Petition.
· An Arrears Affidavit detailing child support payments received, if past due child support is owed.
You can apply for services online or download an application at https://services.georgia.gov/dhr/cspp/do/public/ApplyNow . A $25.00 Application Fee is typically required by the State of Georgia. The fee is waived if you are receiving TANF benefits.
Additionally, you may contact the Office of the District Attorney, UIFSA Division, to obtain an Orientation packet which includes the UIFSA petition that must be completed. The petition will be sent, along with the documents listed above, to the non-custodial/absent parent's state. The packet will also include a date and time for you to come to the office for Orientation.
You may contact the Office of the District Attorney, UIFSA Division, at 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347) or via email at dec_Poncecse@dhs.ga.gov .
When and where are the Orientation meetings scheduled?
Orientations are held each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at the Office of the District Attorney, UIFSA Division
One West Court Square
Suite 450
Decatur, Georgia 30030
What if I do not have a home address for the non-custodial / absent parent?
The UIFSA division can assist with locating where the absent parent lives and/or works. Locating the non-custodial/absent parent is most effective when you can provide the date of birth and the Social Security Number for that person. Without the date of birth and Social Security Number, locating the non-custodial/absent parent may be difficult. However, the more information that you can provide, the easier it will be.
What do I need to request Modification of an existing child support order?
Both parents have the right to ask DCSS to review a child support order three years after the order becomes effective unless a substantial change in circumstances can be shown for orders less than three years old. The request must be made, in writing, to the child support office handling their case. The review by the local office can result in a recommendation that the amount of support should be less, more or stay the same. Medical insurance may also be added to the order.
To modify a Georgia Child Support Order a written request and a completed Financial Affidavit are typically required. Additional financial information may be required after review of those documents. If there is no existing UIFSA case, a $25.00 fee will be required if the requesting party does not receive TANF benefits.
To modify an Out of State child support order, a completed UIFSA petition including the Uniform Petition and General Testimony and a certified copy of the child support order are required. If there is no existing UIFSA case, a $25.00 fee will be required if the requesting party does not receive TANF benefits.
To obtain a copy of the UIFSA Petition and other documents for modification you may visit the Office of the District Attorney, UIFSA Division, or you may contact the DCSS Communications Center at 1.844.MYGADHS (1.844.694.2347).
How long does the process take?
Once the completed packet is received, it is sent to the County and State where the non-custodial/absent parent lives no later than 20 days after the packet is received in the UIFSA office. It is then processed by that Central Registry in that State and forwarded to the child support office in the county where the non-custodial/absent parent lives. The petition is filed with the Court. The non-custodial/absent parent must be properly served for a petition to establish child support. The non-custodial/absent parent must receive notice in cases where a support order already exists. Once the case has been properly filed, the non-custodial/absent parent properly served or noticed as required, then the case will be set for hearing. Depending upon the time for service, availability of court dates, whether there is an objection, continuance or other extenuating circumstance, the process may take minimally 6-12 months from the time the petition is completed until an order is obtained.
How will I receive the child support payments?
Payments are made to the Family Support Registry (FSR). The payments are disbursed within 24 to 48 hours of receipt by Direct Deposit into your checking or savings account or by electronic transfer to the EPPI card. The EPPI card is a bank card that may be used as any ATM card. The Office of the District Attorney does not collect or process payments.
For more information regarding payments, payment information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
· By calling 1-844-694-2347 and accessing the automated information system.
How can I get information about my case status?
You may contact the Office of the District Attorney, UIFSA Division, at 1.844.MYGADHS (1.844.694.2347).
You may also get on-line information by chatting with a DCSS representative online by visiting https://childsupport.georgia.gov/ .
The Constituent Portal is also available to custodial and non-custodial parents, Click Here to visit the Constituent Portal. To use the Constituent Portal you will need an identification number (IRN). This number will be sent to you after Orientation. Information about the Constituent Portal and how to access it will be given to you at Orientation.
You may also contact1.844.MYGADHS (1.844.694.2347) to receive your IRN number.
What kind of enforcement action can be taken if no child support payments are received?
The Office of the District Attorney, UIFSA Division, has many enforcement actions available including automatic wage withholding, drivers and professional license suspension, Federal tax refund and lottery intercept, passport denial, referral to credit bureaus and collection agencies. Motions for Contempt may be filed when all other enforcement actions have failed.