Single Parenting Child Support Documents Required to File for Child Support By Jennifer Wolf twitter linkedin Jennifer Wolf is a PCI Certified Parent Coach and a strong advocate for single moms and dads. Learn about our editorial process Jennifer Wolf Fact checked by Fact checked by Adah Chung on May 03, 2020 linkedin Adah Chung is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and occupational therapist. Learn about our editorial process Adah Chung Updated on May 03, 2020 Print Blend Images - JGI / Jamie Grill/Brand X Pictures / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Documents to Bring Your Appointment Additional Documents Tips Filing for child support is anything but simple. Even when you start the process online, many states require you to show up in person at your local Office of Child Support Enforcement to officially file your child support paperwork. While this process is time-consuming, and often frustrating, knowing upfront how to the answer to the often-asked "What do I need to file for child support?" question will help. Here's the answer you need. Documents to Bring Whether you're headed to your local child support agency to file for child support services for the first time, to request an official child support modification, or to update your current contact information, as the petitioner, you'll want to bring the following documents with you. Documents Needed A valid photo ID, such as your driver's license or up-to-date passportProof of your address, such as a recent rent receipt, mortgage statement, or utility billBirth certificate(s) for the children for whom you are seeking child supportYour ex's contact information or any information you have regarding his or her current address or place of employment Your Appointment Do your homework upfront by visiting the website for your state's Office of Child Support Enforcement. There, you will learn when the office opens and closes, anything else you need to file for child support, and whether it is possible to schedule an appointment in advance. If this is feasible, take advantage of it, as it could shorten your wait time significantly when the day of your appointment arrives. Additional Documents There are a number of additional documents that may also be helpful when you file for child support. For example, if the following documents are available and pertain to your child support case, you should plan to bring them to every appointment at your local child support agency: Proof of paternity, such as an affidavit or the results of a DNA testSocial Security cards for yourself and each of your childrenProof of income, such as recent pay stubs and/or W-2 formsEvidence of recent child support payments and/or arrears statementsExisting child support orders for each of your children, including any Uniform Support Petition documentation and/or a Notice of Determination of Controlling OrderYour divorce decree, if applicableAdditional financial documentation, including evidence of a real estate or personal property you own Tips In addition to bringing the necessary documentation with you when you file for child support, make sure you also consider your practical needs. Especially if you'll have your kids in tow, you'll want to pack lots of snacks, something to drink, and a few engaging activities. For example, pack a bag full of coloring books, crayons, and travel games to keep your kiddos occupied. If possible, try not to rely on your phone for entertainment. (If anything, save it as a last resort if the appointment takes longer than expected.) And if all else fails, play a few rounds of "I Spy." It's a fan favorite that can be surprisingly engaging in a pinch. Coping Strategies for Kids Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Office of Child Support Enforcement. Applying for child support. Updated March 2020. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Office of Child Support Enforcement. What documents do I need to bring to the child support office?. Updated 2020. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Office of Child Support Enforcement. State and tribal child support agency contacts. Updated December 2017.