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Establishing A Child Support Case

Establishing A Child Support Case

How to File for Support

A spouse, custodial parent, or a guardian can file for support from the other parent or spouse. To file a support action, a complaint for support will need to be filed. The person that files the complaint for support is the Plaintiff. The person that the complaint for support is filed against is the Defendant.

To file for support, an individual may utilize the e-Services feature on the Pennsylvania Child Support Website at www.humanservices.state.pa.us/csws. The Domestic Relations office has public computers that can be used to file for support. A valid email address is required for registering on this site. If you do not have access to a computer to file online, a packet is available in the Domestic Relations Office for you to fill out and file. A Case Management Officer will review the filing once you submit it and contact you to go over the information provided, explain the next steps, and answer any questions you may have. Your attorney may also file on your behalf. The Plaintiff needs to provide as much of the following information as possible:

  • Names of the parties involved, including any children for whom support is sought.
  • The parties' complete mailing addresses
  • Dates of birth of both parties and any children for whom support is sought.
  • Social security numbers of both parties and any children for whom support is sought.
  • Birth certificates for any children for whom support is sought.
  • Names of employers of both parties.
  • Medical insurance information for both parties and any children for whom support is sought.  
  • 3 recent paystubs of plaintiff
  • Drivers licenses
  • Any professional licenses 

There are three types of Complaints for Support:

The Case Management Officer will assist the Plaintiff in determining which type of Complaint for Support should be filed in their situation.

A local Complaint is filed if both parties reside or work in Adams County. If one party does not reside or work in Adams County but will cooperate with our office, a local complaint can be filed. A local Complaint for Support is typically completed online or by filling out a packet in the DRS.
An IFSA (Intrastate Family Support Act) Complaint may be filed if the Defendant resides or works in another county in Pennsylvania. IFSA Complaints can take an hour or more to complete and will require the filing party to make an appointment with a Case Management Officer to complete the necessary paperwork.
A UIFSA (Uniform Intergovernmental Family Support Act) Complaint may be filed if the Defendant resides out of state and the Plaintiff wishes to file to that state. UIFSA Complaints can take an hour or more to complete and require the filing party to make an appointment with a Case Management Officer to complete the necessary paperwork. 

If an Order exists in another state that addresses support, the Plaintiff will need to bring a copy of that Order. 

Once the Complaint for Support is completed our staff will explain the next step in the case. Typically, once the Complaint for Support is completed the case will be set up for a conference to establish an Order. If necessary, paternity testing may also be prepared for.