FAQs

What if I can't locate the other parent?: The time required to find a non-custodial parent depends on how much information is provided. The complexity of the case and how willing the non-custodial parent is to be found are other factors. The CSEA is required to make location attempts within days of application. To begin effective location, the CSEA must have at least 3 of the 6 pieces of information below:
• Other parent's full name
• Current or previous address
• Current or previous employer
• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Parents names

▼
Child Support Enforcement Division

1. What does CSEA stand for?: CSEA stands for the Child Support Enforcement Agency.

2. What is an Obligor?: The obligor is the person who has been ordered to pay child or spousal support.

3. What is an Obligee?: The obligee is the person who will receive court ordered child support or spousal support.

4. What are child support arrears?: Arrears are past due child support. This can occur for a variety of reasons: the obligor has changed jobs and there is a lapse in time between payments, or there is often a lapse in time between the effective date of the support order and the wage garnishment.

5. What does SETS stand for?: SETS stands for Support Enforcement Tracking System which is the State of Ohio's child support computer system.

6. What services does the CSEA provide?: The CSEA will work to locate non-custodial parents, establish paternity, establish child support and health insurance orders, modify child support orders and enforce child support orders.

7. What will happen if I just don't pay?: The CSEA will ask the Internal Revenue Service and State Treasury to seize your federal and state income tax funds.
• The court may issue a warrant for your arrest for failure to appear for court. The CSEA files a contempt motion with the court for failure to pay support. The court can sentence you to jail with a fine.
• The CSEA may feature your picture on a "Most Wanted" poster.
• If you willfully avoid paying court ordered child support, you can be prosecuted as a felon for criminal nonsupport under the Ohio Revised Code. If convicted, you can be sentences to prison for up to 18 months for each child you did not support. Your will still owe when released.
• Your drivers license or professional license may be revoked.
• Your passport may be revoked.
• Your pleasure license such as hunting or fishing may be revoked.
• Your arrears may be submitted to a credit reporting agency.

8. What if I can't locate the other parent?: The time required to find a non-custodial parent depends on how much information is provided. The complexity of the case and how willing the non-custodial parent is to be found are other factors. The CSEA is required to make location attempts within days of application. To begin effective location, the CSEA must have at least 3 of the 6 pieces of information below:
• Other parent's full name
• Current or previous address
• Current or previous employer
• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Parents names