What authority does the Director of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program have?

The Director of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program has the authority to enforce support orders that have been filed with them. This includes taking necessary actions to ensure compliance with existing orders, such as garnishing wages, intercepting tax returns, or pursuing other enforcement measures as allowed by law.

This role is essential because it provides a mechanism for custodial parents or guardians to receive the financial support that has been legally mandated by the courts. The focus of the Director's authority is primarily on enforcement rather than the creation or modification of support arrangements.

In contrast, the creation of new support orders typically falls under the jurisdiction of the court. Revocation of divorce orders is not within the scope of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, as divorce orders are legally binding court decisions. Negotiating settlements between parties usually involves attorneys or mediators rather than the Director of the Program. Thus, the enforcement of existing support orders highlights the Director's critical role in ensuring that family law provisions are honored and adhered to.