Causes for delay in processing child support and spousal support payments include:
Bad checks
If the payer's check is returned from the bank (i.e., it bounces), a bad check hold is placed on the account. As a result, the payee's check is held until the payer's check clears the bank. This hold will continue on all personal checks until the payer's credit rating is re-established (usually for 10 consecutive payments).
New accounts
On new accounts, where payments of over $500 are made by personal checks, the first six payments are held until the payer's check clears the bank, allowing a good credit rating to be established.
Large payments
Payments much larger than normal are also subject to being held until the payer's check clears the bank.
Unknown address
The parties receiving payment are responsible for keeping the Friend of the Court informed of their correct address. This can be done in person or by mail. Address changes are not accepted from persons other than those receiving payment.
No order for payments
Payments received on accounts for which no support order has been entered will be held and cannot be disbursed until a support order is received.
Unidentified payments
All payments must be clearly identified with names (printed) and case number on all checks.
