A listening session held by the Division of Child Support Services led to more than 1,000 non-custodial parents being notified that the suspension of their Delaware business and occupational licenses has been lifted.
The division learned from a group of parents that although they were now in compliance with their child support obligation, they had never received information on getting the licenses back, nor had they reapplied.
While the practice of suspending licenses including driver’s licenses gets the attention of those behind in paying child support, critics say it also creates a “Catch 22” with the actions making repayment more difficult.
Division Director Theodore Mermigos said “through the extraordinary efforts by his staff to review 1,352 active child support cases dating back to 2013, DCSS was able to reinstate 86% of the license to the paying non-custodial parent.”
Parents whose licenses were reinstated will need to pay any fees associated with having their licenses reinstated at the licensing agency. Notification letters will be sent to the paying parents.
The state can suspend driver’s, recreational, business, and professional licenses issued by partnering state agencies for parents who owe at least $3,500 in past due child support and have not made a payment, as ordered by Family Court, in the past 60 days.
Additionally, license suspensions can occur for parents who have an outstanding Capias or bench warrant issued by Family Court for failure to appear at any paternity or child support proceeding
Any parent seeking assistance with paying their child support can contacting the Division of Child Support Services at 302-577-7171. To learn more, visit DCSS’s website.
