Questions about Cooperation & Good Cause

What should I do if I am told that I am not cooperating, but I believe I am?
If you do not agree with the Child Support program’s decision that you are not cooperating, you may ask your child support agency for a review.

The child support agency will set up a meeting with a "fact finder" to review your case. You may bring a representative (a friend, relative, lawyer, etc.) with you to this meeting. If you cannot travel to this meeting, ask about attending the meeting by phone.

The cooperation fact finder will mail you a notice of his or her findings. If the fact finder decides you have not been cooperating, the notice will tell you how to appeal the fact finder’s decision.

What if I have a good reason for not cooperating with child support?
If you believe you or your children might be harmed if you cooperate with the child support agency, talk with your aid/benefit program work, and file a Good Cause claim. Your aid/benefit program agency will decide whether or not Good Cause exists.

You will be asked to give written evidence to support your Good Cause claim. If you have problems getting evidence, your aid/benefit program worker will help you.

The your aid/benefit program agency will consider the evidence you present, and decide whether or not you will have to cooperate with the child support agency.

What if I do not agree with the Good Cause decision?
If you do not agree with the final decision about Good Cause, you may request a Good Cause fact-finding review from your aid/benefit agency.

The Good Cause fact finder will mail you a notice of his or her findings. If the fact finder decides you do not have Good Cause, the notice will tell you how to appeal the fact-finder’s decision.

I am worried what might happen if the other parent knows my whereabouts. What can I do?
If the release of your address, phone number, employer, or other location information would put you or your children at risk, ask your child support worker for privacy protection. Click here to get more information and to download the privacy protection request form.

I get services from my Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. My child support case is with my Tribal Child Support program, not a county child support program. What do I have to do to claim Good Cause?
Please contact your Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program for more information specific to your program.

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