Question:
For several years, my income tax return was sent directly to my state’s department of child support. I have proof from the IRS of these payments.
However, my ex-wife never received the money and it was not credited toward my child support arrearage because the money was misused or lost by my state’s child support division.
What can I do to fix this mistake?
Answer:
You should contact the Illinois State Disbursement Unit to inquire about the money that you believe was not distributed, and confirm the amount of your outstanding arrearage. When you contact the State Disbursement Unit, be prepared to provide the documents from the IRS showing the offsets. You can speak with a Customer Service Representative at the State Disbursement Unit by calling 877-225-7077.
After you obtain more information from the State Disbursement Unit, you should contact a qualified domestic relations law firm, such as Cordell & Cordell, to review the information regarding the amount of your arrearage and the offsets.
After reviewing the relevant information, an attorney will be able to evaluate your claim and determine what action can be taken with the state.
You should contact the State Disbursement Unit and an attorney as soon as possible. As you are aware, unpaid child support accrues interest at the rate of 9% per annum.
Cordell & Cordell has men’s divorce lawyers across the country, including Illinois.
Erin Brockhoff is an Associate Attorney in the Belleville, IL office of Cordell & Cordell where she practices domestic relations exclusively. Ms. Brockhoff is licensed in the state of Illinois, and the Southern and Northern Districts of Illinois. Ms. Brockhoff received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Psychology, magna cum laude, from Miami University. She received her Juris Doctor from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society.
