How to Fight DSHS Garnishments
The Department of Social and Health Services, or DSHS, performs several duties, including collection and disbursement of child support. A circuit court issues the child-support order, stating the amount of child support required from a parent. However, when parents handle the collection and payment of child support without proper documentation, such as obtaining a receipt for payment, discrepancies may occur, leading to improper garnishment of a parent's wages. Fighting this type of garnishment generally requires an attorney familiar with the state's child-support laws.
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Instructions
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Gather receipts showing the amount and date of each payment you previously submitted to the parent receiving child support. If you paid by check, visit your bank and have it print a copy of the check, both front and back, showing it was endorsed and the date.
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Locate an attorney who specializes in child-support cases. Contact your local chamber of commerce for a list of attorneys in your area.
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Bring your receipts and a copy of the child-support order to an attorney. Also bring any other documentation -- receipts indicating you paid for your child's medical bills or clothing, for example -- pertinent to the case.
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Provide the attorney with your personal information. He'll complete a claim and submit it to DSHS on your behalf.
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Tips & Warnings
A hearing may be required for you to have the garnishment suspended; prepare to pay a visit to the court.
If you're behind on child support, fighting a garnishment isn't feasible. The court order states you must pay it, and if you fail to do so, a garnishment is allowed.
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