Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 11-09-030.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The division of child support (DCS) proposes to adopt new sections and amend other sections in chapter 388-14A WAC to implement changes in the federal regulations concerning establishing and enforcing intergovernmental child support obligations.

     New sections WAC 388-14A-2081 Under what circumstances can DCS close a case when the application for services was made directly to DCS? and 388-14A-2083 Under what circumstances can DCS close an intergovernmental case, otherwise known as a case where the application for services was originally made to another state, tribe, territory or country?; amending WAC 388-14A-2080 Once DCS opens a support enforcement case, under what circumstances can it be closed?, 388-14A-2085 Under what circumstances may DCS ((deny)) keep a support enforcement case open despite a request to close ((a support enforcement case)) it?, 388-14A-2090 Who ((is mailed)) receives notice ((of DCS' intent to close)) when DCS closes a case?, 388-14A-2097 What happens to payments that come in after a case is closed?, 388-14A-2160 ((If my information is confidential, can)) On what authority does DCS ((report me to)) share my confidential information with a credit bureau?, 388-14A-3130 What happens if a ((parent)) party makes a timely request for hearing on a support establishment notice?, 388-14A-3304 The division of child support may serve a notice of support debt and demand for payment when it is enforcing a support order issued in Washington state, a foreign court order or a foreign administrative order for support, 388-14A-3305 What can I do if I disagree with a notice of support debt and demand for payment?, 388-14A-3306 Does a notice of support debt and demand for payment result in a final determination of support arrears?, 388-14A-3307 How does the division of child support proceed when there are multiple child support orders for the same obligor and children?, 388-14A-7100 The division of child support may register an order from another state for enforcement or modification, 388-14A-7305 How ((do I)) does a party, IV-D agency or jurisdiction ask ((DCS to do)) for a determination of controlling order?, 388-14A-7325 How does DCS notify the parties ((of its)) that a determination of the controlling order ((has been)) is going to be made?, and 388-14A-7335 What happens if someone objects to ((DCS' proposed)) a notice of support debt and registration which contains a determination of the presumed controlling order?

     Hearing Location(s): Office Building 2, Auditorium, DSHS Headquarters, 1115 Washington, Olympia, WA 98504 (public parking at 11th and Jefferson. A map is available at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/msa/rpau/RPAU-OB-2directions.html or by calling (360) 664-6094), on August 9, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than August 10, 2011.

     Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, delivery 1115 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, e-mail DSHSRPAURulesCoordinator@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-6185, by 5 p.m. on August 9, 2011.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jennisha Johnson, DSHS rules consultant, by July 26, 2011, TTY (360) 664-6178 or (360) 664-6094 or by e-mail at johnsjl4@dshs.wa.gov.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: New sections and amended other sections in chapter 388-14A WAC to implement changes in the federal regulations concerning establishing and enforcing intergovernmental child support obligations.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: As part of its state plan under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act, DCS must adopt rules to implement changes in the Code [of] Federal Regulations regarding intergovernmental establishment and enforcement of child support obligations. Failure to adopt the rules could lead to a violation of the state plan requirements, which would jeopardize funding for the child support program and the temporary assistance for needy families block grant. The federal rules being implemented in this rule-making order are 45 C.F.R. Parts 301.1, 302.36, 303.7, 303.11, 305.63 and 308.2.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 26.23.120, 34.05.350 (1)(b), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040(9), 74.20A.310.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.20A.310.

     Rule is necessary because of federal law, 45 C.F.R. Parts 301.1, 302.36, 303.7, 303.11, 305.63 and 308.2.

     Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, economic services administration, DCS, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Nancy Koptur, DCS HQ, P.O. Box 9162, Olympia, WA 98507-9162, (360) 664-5065.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule does not have an economic impact on small businesses. It only affects individuals who have support obligations or individuals who are owed child support.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The rule does meet the definition of a significant legislative rule but DSHS/DCS rules relating to the care of dependent children are exempt from preparing further analysis under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vii).

June 7, 2011

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator

     (1) ((There is no current support order, and the support debt owed by the noncustodial parent (NCP) is less than five hundred dollars, or cannot be enforced under Washington law;)) The circumstances under which the division of child support (DCS) may close a case depend on whether the application for services was made directly to DCS or to another governmental entity.

     (2) ((The NCP or putative (alleged) father is dead with no assets, income or estate available for collection;)) WAC 388-14A-2081 discusses closure of a case when one of the parties submitted an application for support enforcement services directly to DCS, which includes when DCS opened the case as the result of an application for public assistance in the state of Washington.

     (3) ((The NCP has no assets or income available for collection and is not able to provide support during the child's minority because of being:

     (a) Institutionalized in a psychiatric facility;

     (b) Incarcerated without possibility of parole; or

     (c) Medically verified as totally and permanently disabled with no evidence of ability to provide support.

     (4) The applicant, agency or recipient of nonassistance services submits a written request for closure, and there is no current assignment of medical or support rights;

     (5) DCS has enough information to use an automated locate system, and has not been able to locate the NCP after three years of diligent efforts;

     (6) DCS does not have enough information to use an automated locate system, and has not been able to locate the NCP after one year of diligent efforts;

     (7) DCS is unable to contact the applicant, agency or recipient of services for at least sixty days;

     (8) DCS documents failure to cooperate by the custodial parent (CP) or the initiating jurisdiction, and that cooperation is essential for the next step in enforcement;

     (9) DCS cannot obtain a paternity order because:

     (a) The putative father is dead;

     (b) Genetic testing has excluded all putative fathers;

     (c) The child is at least eighteen years old;

     (d) DCS, a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative hearing determines that establishing paternity would not be in the best interests of the child in a case involving incest, rape, or pending adoption; or

     (e) The biological father is unknown and cannot be identified after diligent efforts, including at least one interview by DCS or its representative with the recipient of support enforcement services.

     (10) DCS, a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative hearing determines that the recipient of services has wrongfully deprived the NCP of physical custody of the child as provided in WAC 388-14A-3370(3);

     (11) DCS, the department of social and health services, a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative hearing determines that action to establish or enforce a support obligation cannot occur without a risk of harm to the child or the CP;

     (12) DCS has provided locate-only services in response to a request for state parent locator services (SPLS);

     (13) The NCP is a citizen and resident of a foreign country, and:

     (a) NCP has no assets which can be reached by DCS; and

     (b) The country where NCP resides does not provide reciprocity in child support matters.

     (14) The child is incarcerated or confined to a juvenile rehabilitation facility for a period of ninety days or more; or

     (15) Any other circumstances exist which would allow closure under 45 C.F.R. 303.11 or any other federal statute or regulation)) WAC 388-14A-2083 discusses closure of an intergovernmental case, which is what we call a case where the application for services was made to the child support enforcement agency of another state, tribe, territory, country or political subdivision thereof, which then requested support enforcement services from DCS.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310, 45 CFR 303.11, 45 CFR 303.100. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-2080, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-420.]

     (1) There is no current support order, and the support debt owed by the noncustodial parent (NCP) is less than five hundred dollars, or cannot be enforced under Washington law;

     (2) The NCP or putative (alleged) father is dead with no assets, income or estate available for collection;

     (3) The NCP has no assets or income available for collection and is not able to provide support during the child's minority because of being:

     (a) Institutionalized in a psychiatric facility;

     (b) Incarcerated without possibility of parole; or

     (c) Medically verified as totally and permanently disabled with no evidence of ability to provide support.

     (4) The applicant or recipient of nonassistance services submits a written request for closure, and there is no current assignment of medical or support rights;

     (5) DCS has enough information to use an automated locate system, and has not been able to locate the NCP after three years of diligent efforts;

     (6) DCS does not have enough information to use an automated locate system, and has not been able to locate the NCP after one year of diligent efforts;

     (7) DCS is unable to contact the applicant or recipient of services for at least sixty days;

     (8) DCS or the prosecutor documents failure to cooperate by the custodial parent (CP), and that cooperation is essential for the next step in enforcement;

     (9) DCS cannot obtain a paternity order because:

     (a) The putative father is dead;

     (b) Genetic testing has excluded all putative fathers;

     (c) The child is at least eighteen years old;

     (d) DCS, or the prosecutor, a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative hearing determines that establishing paternity would not be in the best interests of the child in a case involving incest, rape, or pending adoption; or

     (e) The biological father is unknown and cannot be identified after diligent efforts, including at least one interview by DCS or its representative with the recipient of support enforcement services.

     (10) DCS, or the prosecutor, a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative hearing determines that the recipient of services has wrongfully deprived the NCP of physical custody of the child as provided in WAC 388-14A-3370(3);

     (11) DCS, or the prosecutor, the department of social and health services, a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative hearing determines that action to establish or enforce a support obligation cannot occur without a risk of harm to the child or the CP;

     (12) DCS has provided locate-only services in response to a request for state parent locator services (SPLS);

     (13) The NCP is a citizen and resident of a foreign country, and:

     (a) NCP has no assets which can be reached by DCS; and

     (b) The country where NCP resides does not provide reciprocity in child support matters.

     (14) The child is incarcerated or confined to a juvenile rehabilitation facility for a period of ninety days or more; or

     (15) Any other circumstances exist which would allow closure under 45 C.F.R. 303.11 or any other federal statute or regulation.

[]

     (a) The state, tribe, territory, country or political subdivision that received the application for services tells DCS that its case is closed.

     (b) The state, tribe, territory, country or political subdivision that received the application for services tells DCS that it no longer wants DCS to provide services.

     (c) DCS documents failure to cooperate by the initiating jurisdiction, and that cooperation is essential for the next step in enforcement.

     (2) DCS calls this type of case an "intergovernmental case."

     (a) The state, tribe, territory, country or political subdivision thereof which referred the case to DCS is called the "initiating jurisdiction."

     (b) In these cases, DCS is the "responding jurisdiction."

[]

     (a) There is a current assignment of support or medical rights on behalf of the children in the case;

     (b) There is accrued debt under a support order which has been assigned to the state;

     (c) Support or medical rights on behalf of the children have previously been assigned to the state; or

     (d) The person who requests closure is not the recipient of support enforcement services((; or

     (e) A superior court order requires payments to the Washington state support registry (WSSR))).

     (2) If DCS is the responding jurisdiction in an intergovernmental case DCS cannot deny a request from the initiating jurisdiction to close the intergovernmental portion of a DCS case.

     (3) If there is no current assignment of support or medical rights, DCS may close the portion of the case which is owed to the custodial parent (CP), but if there is accrued debt under a support order which has been assigned to the state, DCS keeps that portion of the case open.

     (((3))) (4) If a superior court order specifies that the noncustodial parent (NCP) must make payments to the WSSR, but the CP does not want support enforcement services, DCS ((keeps the case open as)) changes the case status to a payment services only (PSO) case, which means that:

     (a) DCS provides payment processing and records maintenance, and

     (b) DCS does not provide enforcement services.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310, 45 CFR 303.11, 45 CFR 303.100. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-2085, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-421.]

     (b) DCS does not provide sixty days' prior notice when closing a case under WAC 388-14A-2080(4))) The reason for case closure determines whether the division of child support (DCS):

     (a) Sends a notice of intent to close;

     (b) Sends a notice of case closure; or

     (c) Notifies the other jurisdiction.

     (2) DCS mails a notice of intent to close by regular mail to the last known address of the custodial parent (CP) and the noncustodial parent.

     (3) ((In an interstate case, DCS mails the notice to the CP by regular mail in care of the other state's child support agency)) If DCS is closing a case under WAC 388-14A-2081, DCS sends a notice of intent to close, advising the parties why DCS is closing the case. DCS sends the notice sixty days before closing the case, except:

     (a) DCS sends a notice of case closure but does not send a notice of intent to close when the applicant or recipient of nonassistance services submits a written request for closure, and there is no current assignment of medical or support rights;

     (b) DCS notifies the initiating jurisdiction in an intergovernmental case that DCS has closed the case after the initiating jurisdiction requests case closure; and

     (c) DCS does not send a notice of intent to close or a notice of case closure when:

     (i) DCS, the prosecuting attorney, the department of social and health services, a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative hearing determines that action to establish or enforce a support obligation cannot occur without a risk of harm to the child or the custodial parent (CP); or

     (ii) DCS has provided locate-only services in response to a request for state parent locator services (SPLS).

     (4) If DCS is the responding jurisdiction and is closing an ((interstate)) intergovernmental case because of noncooperation by the initiating jurisdiction, DCS ((also mails the notice to)) notifies the other ((state's)) jurisdiction's child support agency sixty days before closing the case.

     (5) When DCS is the initiating jurisdiction in an intergovernmental case and DCS closes its case, DCS notifies the responding jurisdiction that DCS has closed its case and provides the reason for closure.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310, 45 CFR 303.11, 45 CFR 303.100. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-2090, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-422.]

     (2) If DCS, as the initiating jurisdiction in an intergovernmental case, closed a case without notifying the responding jurisdiction, DCS must attempt to locate the custodial parent (CP) and disburse any payments the CP is entitled to receive.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310, 45 CFR 303.11, 45 CFR 303.100. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-2097, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-424.]

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 06-06-076, filed 2/28/06, effective 3/31/06)

WAC 388-14A-2160   ((If my information is confidential, can)) On what authority does DCS ((report me to)) share my confidential information with a credit bureau?   (1) ((When a consumer reporting agency, sometimes called a credit bureau, requests information regarding the amount of overdue support owed by a noncustodial parent (NCP), the division of child support (DCS) provides this information)) Under 42 USC §666(7), the division of child support (DCS) may report to consumer reporting agencies the name of any noncustodial parent (NCP) who is delinquent in support and the amount of overdue support owed by that parent. Consumer reporting agencies are sometimes also called credit bureaus.

     (2) ((In addition to responding to requests for information by consumer reporting agencies)) Once DCS has reported an NCP to the credit bureaus, DCS ((reports to those agencies information regarding overdue support owed by an NCP. DCS then)) updates the information on a regular basis as long as DCS continues to enforce the support order, even after the NCP brings the account current.

     (3) Before releasing information to the consumer reporting agency, DCS sends a written notice to the NCP's last known address concerning the proposed release of the information ((to the NCP's last known address)).

     (4) The notice gives the NCP ten days from the date of the notice to request a conference board under WAC 388-14A-6400 to contest the accuracy of the information. If the NCP requests a conference board, DCS does not release the information until a conference board decision has been issued.

     (5) ((A noncustodial parent (NCP))) An NCP who disagrees with the information supplied by DCS to a consumer reporting agency or credit bureau may file a notice of dispute under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681.

     (6) For interstate or intergovernmental cases, either the initiating jurisdiction or the responding jurisdiction, or both, may report the NCP's debt to the credit bureaus.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.120, 74.08.090, 74.20A.310. 06-06-076, § 388-14A-2160, filed 2/28/06, effective 3/31/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-2160, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-030 and 388-14-410.]

     (2) If either parent makes a timely request for hearing, the division of child support (DCS) submits the hearing request to the office of administrative hearings (OAH) for scheduling.

     (3) OAH sends a notice of hearing by first class mail to all parties at their address last known to DCS, notifying each party of the date, time and place of the hearing. DCS, the noncustodial parent (NCP), and the custodial parent are all parties to the hearing.

     (4) A timely request for hearing stops the support establishment notice from becoming a final order, so DCS cannot collect on the notice. However, in appropriate circumstances, the administrative law judge (ALJ) may enter a temporary support order under WAC 388-14A-3850.

     (5) A hearing on an objection to a support establishment notice is for the limited purpose of resolving the NCP's accrued support debt and current support obligation. The NCP has the burden of proving any defenses to liability.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 02-06-098, § 388-14A-3130, filed 3/4/02, effective 4/4/02; 00-15-016 and 00-20-022, § 388-14A-3130, filed 7/10/00 and 9/25/00, effective 11/6/00. Formerly WAC 388-11-135 and 388-11-400.]

     (a) A "foreign" order is one entered in a jurisdiction other than a Washington state court or administrative forum.

     (b) DCS uses the notice of support debt and demand for payment when there is only one current child support order for the NCP and the children in the case.

     (c) When there are multiple current support orders for the same obligor and children, DCS determines which order to enforce as provided under WAC 388-14A-3307.

     (2) DCS serves a notice of support debt and demand for payment like a summons in a civil action or by certified mail, return receipt requested.

     (3) In a notice of support debt and demand for payment, DCS includes the information required by RCW 74.20A.040, the amount of current and future support, accrued support debt, interest (if interest is being assessed under WAC 388-14A-7110), any health insurance coverage obligation, and any day care costs under the court or administrative order.

     (4) After service of a notice of support debt and demand for payment, the NCP must make all support payments to the Washington state support registry. DCS does not credit payments made to any other party after service of a notice of support debt and demand for payment except as provided in WAC 388-14A-3375.

     (5) A notice of support debt and demand for payment becomes final and subject to immediate wage withholding and enforcement without further notice under chapters 26.18, 26.23, and 74.20A RCW, subject to the terms of the order, unless, within twenty days of service of the notice in Washington, or within sixty days of service of the notice outside of Washington, the NCP:

     (a) Files a request with DCS for a conference board under WAC 388-14A-6400. The effective date of a conference board request is the date DCS receives the request;

     (b) Obtains a stay from the superior court; or

     (c) Objects to either the validity of the foreign support order or the administrative enforcement of the foreign support order, in which case DCS proceeds with registration of the foreign support order under WAC 388-14A-7100.

     (6) ((A notice of support debt and demand for payment served in another state becomes final according to WAC 388-14A-7200)) RCW 26.21A.515 controls the calculation of the debt on a notice of support debt and demand for payment.

     (7) Enforcement of the following are not stayed by a request for a conference board or hearing under this section or WAC 388-14A-6400:

     (a) Current and future support stated in the order; and

     (b) Any portion of the support debt that the NCP and custodial parent (CP) fail to claim is not owed.

     (8) Following service of the notice of support debt and demand for payment on the NCP, DCS mails to the last known address of the CP and/or the payee under the order:

     (a) A copy of the notice of support debt and demand for payment; and

     (b) A notice to payee under WAC 388-14A-3315 regarding the payee's rights to contest the notice of support debt. The CP who is not the payee under the order has the same rights to contest the notice of support debt and demand for payment.

     (9) If the NCP requests a conference board under subsection (5)(a) of this section, DCS mails a copy of the notice of conference board to the CP informing the CP of the CP's right to:

     (a) Participate in the conference board; or

     (b) Request a hearing under WAC 388-14A-3321 within twenty days of the date of a notice of conference board that was mailed to a Washington address. If the notice of conference board was mailed to an out-of-state address, the CP may request a hearing within sixty days of the date of the notice of conference board. The effective date of a hearing request is the date DCS receives the request.

     (10) If the CP requests a hearing under subsection (((9))) (8)(b) of this section, DCS must:

     (a) Stay enforcement of the notice of support debt and demand for payment except as required under subsection (6) of this section; and

     (b) Notify the NCP of the hearing.

     (11) If a CP requests a late hearing under subsection (((8))) (7) of this section, the CP must show good cause for filing the late request.

     (12) The NCP is limited to a conference board to contest the notice and may not request a hearing on a notice of support debt and demand for payment. However, if the CP requests a hearing, the NCP may participate in the hearing.

     (13) A notice of support debt and demand for payment must fully and fairly inform the NCP of the rights and responsibilities in this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(2), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.310. 07-08-055, § 388-14A-3304, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 26.21.016, 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310, 26.23.110, and 74.20A.040. 05-07-059, § 388-14A-3304, filed 3/11/05, effective 4/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-3304, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-435.]

     (1) If either party objects to the enforcement of a non-Washington support order, that party may request that DCS register that order under chapter 26.21A RCW. DCS then serves a notice of support debt and registration as provided in WAC ((388-14A-7110)) 388-14A-7100.

     (2) If the noncustodial parent (NCP) objects to the amount of current support or the amount of support debt stated in the notice, the NCP may request a conference board under WAC 388-14A-6400.

     (a) The custodial parent (CP) may participate in the conference board under this section.

     (b) The CP may choose to convert the proceeding to an administrative hearing. The NCP may participate in a hearing held under this section.

     (3) If the custodial parent objects to the amount of current support or the amount of support debt stated in the notice, the CP may request an administrative hearing. The NCP may participate in a hearing held under this section.

     (4) See WAC 388-14A-3304 for a more full description of the hearing process on the notice of support debt and demand for payment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(2), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.310. 07-08-055, § 388-14A-3305, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07.]

     (a) The debt determination is not a final determination under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), chapter 26.21A RCW.

     (b) ((Any party may request that a tribunal determine any amounts owed as interest on the support debt)) RCW 26.21A.515 controls in any computation and/or determination of accrued interest on arrearages under the support order.

     (2) The final administrative order comes about by:

     (a) Operation of law if nobody objects to the notice;

     (b) Agreed settlement or consent order under WAC 388-14A-3600;

     (c) Final conference board decision under WAC 388-14A-6400;

     (d) Final administrative order entered after hearing or a party's failure to appear for hearing.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(2), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.310. 07-08-055, § 388-14A-3306, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07.]

     (1) When not acting as a responding jurisdiction, DCS decides whether or not a determination of controlling order is necessary, and which state has the authority to make a determination of controlling order (DCO) under UIFSA.

     (2) Using the criteria listed in RCW 26.21A.130, DCS ((decides)) may decide which child support order it should enforce and ((serves)) may serve a notice of support debt and demand for payment under WAC 388-14A-3304.

     (2) ((If DCS decides that a determination of controlling order under chapter 26.21A RCW is required)) When a party objects to enforcement of the order selected for enforcement under subsection (1) of this section, or when the order that DCS decides to enforce is not the order presented by a party or another jurisdiction for enforcement of current support, DCS ((serves)) may serve a notice of support debt and registration as provided in WAC 388-14A-7100.

     (3) ((Upon request, DCS may do a determination of controlling order (DCO).

     (a) See)) WAC 388-14A-7305 ((for)) describes how ((you)) either party or the initiating jurisdiction can ask for a DCO.

     (((b) See)) (4) WAC 388-14A-7315 ((for)) describes how DCS decides whether ((or not)) to ((do)) deny a request for a DCO.

     (((4))) (5) If DCS ((does)) reviews the orders in response to a request for a DCO and decides that a Washington order is the presumed controlling order, DCS refers the case to superior court.

     (((5))) (6) If DCS ((does)) reviews the orders in response to a request for a DCO and decides that a non-Washington order is the presumed controlling order, DCS serves a notice of support debt and registration as provided in WAC 388-14A-7325.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(2), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.310. 07-08-055, § 388-14A-3307, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07.]

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-08-055, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07)

WAC 388-14A-7100   The division of child support may register an order from another state for enforcement or modification.   (1) A support enforcement agency, or a party to a child support order or an income-withholding order for support issued by a tribunal of another state or jurisdiction, may register the order in this state for enforcement pursuant to chapter 26.21A RCW.

     (a) At the option of the division of child support (DCS), the support order or income-withholding order may be registered with the superior court pursuant to RCW 26.21A.505 or it may be registered with the administrative tribunal according to subsection (2) of this section. Either method of registration is valid.

     (b) A support order or income-withholding order issued in another state or jurisdiction is registered when the order is filed with the registering tribunal of this state.

     (c) DCS may enforce a registered order issued in another state or jurisdiction in the same manner and subject to the same procedures as an order issued by a tribunal of this state.

     (d) DCS may assess and collect interest on amounts owed under support orders entered or established in a jurisdiction other than the state of Washington as provided in WAC 388-14A-7110.

     (e) DCS may notify the parties that it is enforcing a non-Washington support order using the notice of support debt and demand for payment under WAC 388-14A-3304 or using the notice of support debt and registration as provided in this section and in WAC 388-14A-7110. Either method of notice is valid.

     (2) DCS must give notice to the nonregistering party when it administratively registers a support order or income-withholding order issued in another state or jurisdiction. DCS gives this notice with the Notice of Support Debt and Registration (NOSDR).

     (a) The notice must inform the nonregistering party:

     (i) That a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of this state;

     (ii) That if a party wants a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order, the party must request a hearing within twenty days after service of the notice on the nonregistering party within Washington state. If the nonregistering party was served with the notice outside of Washington state, the party has sixty days after service of the notice to request a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order;

     (iii) That failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages and precludes further contest of that order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted;

     (iv) Of the amount of any alleged arrearages, including interest, if interest is being assessed under WAC 388-14A-7110; and

     (v) Whether DCS has made a determination of controlling order under chapter 26.21A RCW, as described in WAC 388-14A-7325.

     (b) The notice must be:

     (i) Served on the nonregistering party by certified or registered mail or by any means of personal service authorized by the laws of the state of Washington; and

     (ii) Served on the registering party by first class mail at the last known address; and

     (iii) Accompanied by a copy of the registered order and any documents and relevant information accompanying the order submitted by the registering party.

     (c) The effective date of a request for hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order is the date DCS receives the request.

     (3) A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a child support order issued in another state or jurisdiction may register the order in this state according to RCW 26.21A.540 through 26.21A.550.

     (a) The order must be registered as provided in subsection (1)(a) if the order has not yet been registered.

     (b) A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or later. The petition must specify the grounds for modification.

     (c) DCS may enforce a child support order of another state or jurisdiction registered for purposes of modification, as if a tribunal of this state had issued the order, but the registered order may be modified only if the requirements of RCW 26.21A.550 are met.

     (4) Interpretation of the registered order is governed by RCW 26.21A.515.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(2), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.310. 07-08-055, § 388-14A-7100, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 26.21.016. 05-07-059, § 388-14A-7100, filed 3/11/05, effective 4/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220, 74.20A.310. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-7100, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-260 and 388-14-495.]

     (2) When another state's IV-D agency or another jurisdiction has identified that there are multiple support orders in existence and DCS has personal jurisdiction over both of the parties to the orders, the IV-D agency or jurisdiction may request a determination of controlling order from DCS.

     (3) A request for a determination of controlling order may be made at any time, unless there has already been a determination of controlling order for the same obligor and children.

     (((3))) (4) DCS can provide a form which contains all the required elements for a request for determination of controlling order. A request for a determination of controlling order:

     (a) Must be in writing;

     (b) Must contain copies of any child support orders known to the requesting party. DCS waives this requirement if DCS has a true copy of the order on file; and

     (c) ((State the reason the requesting party thinks DCS is enforcing the wrong)) Must identify the order that the requesting party believes should be the controlling order.

     (((4))) (5) A request for determination of controlling order does not constitute a petition for modification of a support order.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(2), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.310. 07-08-055, § 388-14A-7305, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07.]

     (a) If DCS decides that the order that should be enforced is a Washington order, ((we immediately)) DCS refers the matter to the superior court for a determination of controlling order proceeding under chapter 26.21A RCW.

     (b) If ((we)) DCS decides that the order that should be enforced is an order which was not entered in the state of Washington, DCS follows the procedures set out in subsections (2) through (4) of this section.

     (2) DCS serves a notice of support debt and registration (((NOSDR))) as provided in WAC 388-14A-7100. DCS serves the ((NOSDR)) notice of support debt and registration on the obligor, the obligee, and on all identified interested parties. The ((NOSDR)) notice of support debt and registration includes a determination of controlling order.

     (3) DCS serves the notice of support debt and registration on ((the nonrequesting)) a party who did not request the determination of controlling order by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service.

     (4) DCS serves the notice on the ((requesting)) party who requested the determination of controlling order and on any other identified interested parties by first class mail to the last known address.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(2), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.310. 07-08-055, § 388-14A-7325, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07.]

     (2) ((The)) An objection to the determination of presumed controlling order must contain:

     (a) The reason the party, IV-D agency or jurisdiction objects ((to the determination of controlling order)). Examples of reasons to object include, but are not limited to:

     (i) There is another order that was not considered in making the determination;

     (ii) The alleged controlling order has been vacated, suspended or modified by a later order, which is attached to the objection;

     (iii) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction over the nonpetitioning party;

     (iv) The order was obtained by fraud; or

     (v) Any other legal defense available under chapter 26.21A RCW.

     (b) A copy of the order which the party, IV-D agency or jurisdiction believes should be the controlling order, if that order was not included with the notice.

     (c) A statement of facts in support of the ((party's)) objection.

     (((2))) (3) When DCS receives an objection to the proposed determination of controlling order, DCS refers the objection to the prosecuting attorney or attorney general to bring an action for determination of controlling order under RCW 26.21A.130 in the superior court.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(2), 43.20A.550, 74.04.055, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.310. 07-08-055, § 388-14A-7335, filed 3/29/07, effective 4/29/07.]

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