Default

(When your case is in Arrears)

An Obligor is considered in Default when he/she is behind in payments totaling one month or more of his/her current support obligation.  By law, no enforcement actions can be taken before a default notice has been sent to the obligor.  (See Terms & Definitions section - Arrears)

When the Obligor owes in excess of one month's obligation, a Notice of Default and Potential Action will be automatically generated by SETS.  The Default notice will be sent to the Obligor warning him/her of possible enforcement remedies that CSEA may take to secure the past due support obligation.

When a case goes into Default, this is the beginning of the Enforcement Process.

Other administrative enforcement remedies allowable by law include:

SETS automated reporting to Credit Bureau Agencies when arrears exceed two months of obligation Withholding an additional 20% of the current support obligation when an income withholding order is in place Driver's Professional or Recreational License Suspension Federal and State Tax Refund Intercept Financial Institution Data Match (FIDM) Intercepting a lump sum payment (bonus, lump sum vacation payment from an employer, separation lump sum, etc)

The CSEA is bound by specific requirements in the law or agency procedure when enforcement actions are taken.