Ok, you got me!

I read the CSE web site information and I am not sure what power they really have. So, could you cut to the chase for me?

Well here goes.

Back in 1977, Missouri was about to lose welfare funding so it created what is now codified as chapter 455 RSMo. Chapter 455 created the agency and gave it special powers. Essentially the agency has the power to issue an administrative judgment requiring a parent to pay support for their child.

This is done by sending you a letter titled “Notice of Financial Responsibility”. In that notice the state agency (cse) says that they believe you are the parent of little johnny”, and that as a consequence you will be ordered to pay child support and keep insurance on him if it is available to you through work. The letter will further state that if you do not deny the allegations in it the state will issue a finding of "Financial Responsibility" within a number of days set forth in the notice.

Obviously”little johnny” does not live with you. So now there will be a wage assignment sent to your employer to take the support out of your check

Hey that sounds ok. You know you are “little johnny’s” parent, and this is cheaper than going to court right? Well yes it is. But here comes the catch.

THE CATCH

If you allow the agency to act, it keeps your case forever. You pay support, but they can do nothing to help you see “little johnny” So you still have to go to Court to get visitation.
Boy what a savings?

WHAT TO DO

If you immediately hire an attorney, and file a paternity case the agency will monitor the case progress and back off. This lets you get everything rolled up in your local court where the other parent’s conduct matters. You will get enforcable visitation, (unless you are a child molester, a drunk, or the like), and pay the same amount of support. Depending on the other parent you may get custody, if you want to pursue it.

Go check out the Court Process and Modification Buttons for More information custody, paternity and support work the same in all cases.

If the state is not establishing support but enforcing orders look at Criminal non-support and contempt.