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EmailENFORCING A FOREIGN SUPPORT ORDER IN THE U.S.
Q. HOW CAN A FOREIGN CHILD SUPPORT ORDER BE ENFORCED IN THE UNITED STATES?
A. If there is an existing federal bilateral child support arrangement between the United States and the foreign country, or a U.S. state-level arrangement with the foreign country, the foreign country should contact the local child support enforcement agency in the state where the person owing child support resides. If the parent’s whereabouts are unknown, the foreign central authority can contact the U.S. Central Authority, Director, U.S. Central Authority for International Child Support, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Department of Health and Human Services, Phone: 202-260-5943; Fax: 202-401-5539. If there is no state-level or federal arrangement with the foreign country, it may be necessary for the individual seeking enforcement or the foreign authorities working on behalf of that individual to retain the services of a private attorney in the United States to attempt to enforce the foreign judgment in accordance with U.S. law. There is no treaty in force between the United States and any foreign country on the subject of enforcement of judgments. See our general guidance regarding enforcement of judgments. Information about lawyer referral services is available from the American Bar Association.
