What happens if I do not have a child support order?
- DOR will file a court action in the Probate and Family Court. You and the other parent will be sent a letter telling you when to come to court.
- Most court documents are available to the public.
- The other parent will get copies of court documents which will include your address and other personal information unless the court agrees to keep it confidential. You will be asked to fill out documents with information about your finances and your employer.
Will I have to see the other parent in court?
Yes. If a hearing is scheduled and both parents come to court, you will see the other parent in court or virtually. While you can’t request separate court dates, you can ask to talk with DOR staff without the other parent present.
Is there a way to keep my address off of the court documents?
Yes, but you have to get permission from the court if you want your address or other information to be removed from court documents. DOR can help with this process which is called impoundment. If you file court documents yourself, you may have to seek impoundment on your own. Even if your address was impounded by a court in a restraining order case, you still need to impound it in any other court cases that you are involved in.
What happens if parentage (declaring the child’s other legal parent) has not been established?
We will file an action in court to establish parentage and both you and the other parent may have to appear in court. Also, paternity tests may be required and you, the child and the other parent will be tested. Unlike the court hearing, testing appointments for you and the other parent can be scheduled on different days.
Will DOR give the other parent my personal information?
No. We can’t give the other parent your personal information just because the parent asks us for it. This includes your address, Social Security number, and your children’s Social Security numbers or other personal information.
Can DOR make sure the other parent won’t get my personal information?
No. We can’t make sure that your personal information will stay completely private. We are required to give your personal information to courts, other Massachusetts agencies, the other parent’s employer, and sometimes child support agencies in other states. The other parent may then be able to find your information.
Safety resources
We encourage anyone affected in any way by domestic violence to consider the resources available in Massachusetts and nationwide.
If you are in immediate danger call 9-1-1 for the police to come to your aid.