Boulder County Child Support Enforcement Unit

Can I collect child support if the non-custodial parent lives in another state?

The process for interstate enforcement is a little different, but many of the same remedies are available.  If we can verify that the non-custodial parent lives out of state and a wage withholding is not an option, Boulder County can file a petition to the state where the absent party lives and request that the state enforce the child support order on our behalf.  Most states have many of the same remedies available to them that we would use locally.  Time frames for an interstate case are different because there are two child support agencies involved, not just one.  More information regarding interstate child support enforcement may be found by clicking on the State’s Child Support website.

Regardless of which process is used to make a child support payment, all payments go to the Family Support Registry (FSR).  The FSR is a State agency that processes all child support payments and distributes them to custodial parties.  The FSR typically sends payment via check through the mail, however other payment distribution options may be available such as direct deposit and the FSR debit card.  More detailed information about the Family Support Registry and available payment distribution options may be found by clicking

If you’ve never participated in TANF or are not currently receiving TANF payments, you will directly receive any payments the FSR processes.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR TANF PARTICIPANTS

If you are receiving a TANF cash grant, the CSEU will retain your child support payments as reimbursement for benefits issued to you from your program participation.

If you are not presently receiving a TANF grant but have in the past and still have un-reimbursed assistance, your child support payment will be paid to you up to the monthly amount of your court order, and any additional amount will be applied to any un-reimbursed arrears.

(Child Support Home)