In Hawaii, parents who separate or divorce must provide their children with a steady source of financial assistance legally known as child support. This court-mandated order is designed to help the children grow up in a secure and stable environment.
In this blog, we will discuss three frequently asked questions about the state’s child support processes:
What are the payment options for child support?
Aside from the standard income withholding order for child support payments, Hawaii’s Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) also accepts payments through the following methods:
- MoneyGram
- TouchPay or CheckFreePay
- MyPaymentPortal
- By mail
- In person
- Direct bank transfers
The state also has an online value payment system for child support called “Child Support Bill Pay.” If you send your payments through this channel, the amount will reflect on your child support account after two business days.
How does income withholding work?
If you are a non-custodial parent and your child support has an income withholding order, your employer will be the one responsible for deducting the child support amount from your paycheck.
In this process, your employer will receive an official notice from the CSEA that informs them when they can begin with your income withholding process and how much they need to deduct from your salary.
Can I update my child support costs?
Yes, both you and your ex have equal rights to update your child support costs. While each family’s circumstances are unique, there are key factors that can help warrant a modification of your child support order. Two of them include:
- Your child support order is at least three years old
- You and/or your child are going through a notable change in circumstances
It is important to remember that your petition for modification must include a valid reason for your request, your financial information and other supporting documents that can help prove your reason.
Your child’s welfare always comes first
By understanding your rights and learning about Hawaii’s child support laws, you can make informed decisions that can help safeguard your child’s best interests.