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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>58910</law_id><section_number>63.2-1916</section_number><catch_line>Notice of administrative support order; contents; hearing; modification</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>63.2-1927</reference><reference>63.2-1929</reference><reference>63.2-1939</reference><reference>63.2-1943</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="63.2">Welfare (Social Services)</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="V">Administrative Child Support</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="19">Child Support Enforcement</unit><unit label="article" level="4" order_by="1" identifier="4">Orders and Review</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>The <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may proceed against a <span class="dictionary">noncustodial parent</span> whose support <span class="dictionary">debt</span> has accrued or is accruing based upon subrogation to, assignment of, or authorization to enforce a support obligation. Such obligation may be created by a <span class="dictionary">court order</span> for support of a child or child and spouse or <span class="dictionary">decree</span> of divorce ordering support of a child or child and spouse. In the absence of such a <span class="dictionary">court order</span> or <span class="dictionary">decree</span> of divorce, the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may, pursuant to this chapter, proceed against a person whose support <span class="dictionary">debt</span> has accrued or is accruing based upon payment of <span class="dictionary">public assistance</span> or who has a responsibility for the support of any <span class="dictionary">dependent child</span> or children and their <span class="dictionary">custodial parent</span>. The <span class="dictionary">administrative support order</span> shall also provide that support shall continue to be paid for any child over the age of 18 who is (i) a full-time high school student, (ii) not self-supporting, and (iii) living in the home of the parent seeking or receiving child support, until such child reaches the age of 19 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. The <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> shall initiate proceedings by issuing notice containing the <span class="dictionary">administrative support order</span> which shall become effective unless timely contested. The notice shall be served upon the debtor (a) in accordance with the provisions of &#xA7;&#xA0;<a class="law" title="Manner of serving process upon natural persons" href="/8.01-296/">8.01-296</a>, <a class="law" title="Acceptance of service of process" href="/8.01-327/">8.01-327</a> or <a class="law" title="Service of process or notice; service on Secretary of Commonwealth" href="/8.01-329/">8.01-329</a> or (b) by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by <span class="dictionary">electronic means</span>, or the debtor may accept service by signing a formal <span class="dictionary">waiver</span>. A copy of the notice shall be provided to the <span class="dictionary">obligee</span>. The notice shall include the following:</p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> A statement of the support <span class="dictionary">debt</span> or obligation accrued or accruing and the basis and authority under which the assessment of the <span class="dictionary">debt</span> or obligation was made. The initial <span class="dictionary">administrative support order</span> shall be effective on the date of service and the first monthly payment shall be due on the first of the month following the date of service and the first of each month thereafter. A modified <span class="dictionary">administrative support order</span> shall be effective the date that notice of the review is served on the nonrequesting <span class="dictionary">party</span>, and the first monthly payment shall be due on the first day of the month following the date of such service and on the first day of each month thereafter. In addition, an amount shall be assessed for the partial month between the effective date of the order and the date that the first monthly payment is due. The assessment for the initial partial month shall be prorated from the effective date through the end of that month, based on the current monthly obligation. All payments are to be credited to current support obligations first, with any payment in excess of the current obligation applied to arrearages, if any; <a id="paragraph-215995" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> A statement of the name, date of birth, and last four digits of the social security number of the child or children for whom support is being sought; <a id="paragraph-215996" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="3"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> A statement that support shall continue to be paid for any child over the age of 18 who is (i) a full-time high school student, (ii) not self-supporting, and (iii) living in the home of the <span class="dictionary">party</span> seeking or receiving child support, until such child reaches the age of 19 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first; <a id="paragraph-215997" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="4"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> A demand for immediate payment of the support <span class="dictionary">debt</span> or obligation or, in the alternative, a demand that the debtor file an answer with the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> within 10 days of the date of service of the notice stating his defenses to liability; <a id="paragraph-215998" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="5"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> If known, the full name, date of birth, and last four digits of the social security number of each parent of the child; however, when a protective order has been issued or the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> otherwise finds reason to believe that a <span class="dictionary">party</span> is at risk of physical or emotional harm from the other <span class="dictionary">party</span>, only the name of the <span class="dictionary">party</span> at risk shall be included in the order; <a id="paragraph-215999" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="6"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> A statement that if no answer is made on or before 10 days from the date of service of the notice, the <span class="dictionary">administrative support order</span> shall be final and enforceable, and the support <span class="dictionary">debt</span> shall be assessed and determined subject to computation, and is subject to collection action; <a id="paragraph-216000" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="7"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> A statement that the debtor may be subject to mandatory withholding of <span class="dictionary">income</span>, the interception of state or federal tax refunds, interception of payments due to the debtor from the Commonwealth, notification of arrearage information to consumer reporting agencies, passport denial or suspension, or incarceration and that the debtor&#x2019;s property will be subject to <span class="dictionary">lien</span> and foreclosure, distraint, seizure and sale, an order to withhold and deliver, or withholding of <span class="dictionary">income</span>; <a id="paragraph-216001" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="8"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> A statement that the parents shall keep the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> informed regarding access to health insurance coverage and health insurance policy information and a statement that <span class="dictionary">health care coverage</span> shall be required for the parents&#x2019; dependent children if available at <span class="dictionary">reasonable cost</span> as defined in &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Definitions" href="/63.2-1900/">63.2-1900</a>, or pursuant to subsection A of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Authority to issue certain orders; civil penalty" href="/63.2-1903/">63.2-1903</a>. If a child is enrolled in <span class="dictionary"><span class="dictionary">Department</span>-sponsored <span class="dictionary">health care coverage</span></span>, the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> shall collect the cost of the coverage pursuant to subsection E of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Guideline for determination of child support; quadrennial review by Child Support Guidelines Review Panel; executive summary" href="/20-108.2/">20-108.2</a>; <a id="paragraph-216002" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="9"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> A statement of each <span class="dictionary">party</span>&#x2019;s right to <span class="dictionary">appeal</span> and the procedures applicable to <span class="dictionary">appeals</span> from the decision of the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span>; <a id="paragraph-216003" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="10"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> A statement that the <span class="dictionary">obligor</span>&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">income</span> shall be immediately withheld to comply with this order unless the <span class="dictionary">obligee</span>, or the <span class="dictionary">Department</span>, if the <span class="dictionary">obligee</span> is receiving <span class="dictionary">public assistance</span>, and <span class="dictionary">obligor</span> agree to an alternative arrangement; <a id="paragraph-216004" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="11"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> A statement that any determination of a support obligation under this section creates a <span class="dictionary">judgment</span> by operation of <span class="dictionary">law</span> and as such is entitled to full faith and credit in any other state or <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span>; <a id="paragraph-216005" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="12"><p><span class="prefix-number">12.</span> A statement that each <span class="dictionary">party</span> shall give the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> written notice of any change in his address, including email address, or phone number, including cell phone number, within 30 days; <a id="paragraph-216006" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#12"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="13"><p><span class="prefix-number">13.</span> A statement that each <span class="dictionary">party</span> shall keep the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> informed of (i) the name, telephone number, and address of his current <span class="dictionary">employer</span>; (ii) any change to his <span class="dictionary">employment</span> status; and (iii) if he has filed a claim for or is receiving benefits under the provisions of Title 60.2. The statement shall further specify that any such change in <span class="dictionary">employment</span> status or filing of a claim shall be communicated to the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> in writing within 30 days of such change or filing; <a id="paragraph-216007" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#13"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="14"><p><span class="prefix-number">14.</span> A statement that if any arrearages for child support, including interest or fees, exist at the time the youngest child included in the order emancipates, payments shall continue in the total amount due (current support plus amount applied toward arrearages) at the time of emancipation until all arrearages are paid; <a id="paragraph-216008" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#14"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="15"><p><span class="prefix-number">15.</span> A statement that a <span class="dictionary">petition</span> may be filed for suspension of any license, certificate, registration, or other authorization to engage in a profession, trade, business, occupation, or recreational activity issued by the Commonwealth to a parent as provided in &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Applications for occupational or other license to include social security or control number; suspension upon delinquency; procedure" href="/63.2-1937/">63.2-1937</a> upon a delinquency for a period of 90 days or more or in amount of $5,000 or more. The order shall indicate whether either or both parents currently hold such an authorization and, if so, the type of authorization held; <a id="paragraph-216009" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#15"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="16"><p><span class="prefix-number">16.</span> A statement that the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of Motor Vehicles may suspend or refuse to renew the driving <span class="dictionary">privileges</span> of any person upon receipt of notice from the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of <span class="dictionary">Social Services</span> that the person (i) is delinquent in the payment of child support by 90 days or in an amount of $5,000 or more or (ii) has failed to comply with a <span class="dictionary">subpoena</span>, <span class="dictionary">summons</span>, or warrant relating to paternity or child support proceedings; and <a id="paragraph-216010" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#16"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="17"><p><span class="prefix-number">17.</span> A statement that on and after July 1, 1994, the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> of <span class="dictionary">Social Services</span>, as provided in &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Authority to initiate reviews of certain orders" href="/63.2-1921/">63.2-1921</a> and in accordance with &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Guideline for determination of child support; quadrennial review by Child Support Guidelines Review Panel; executive summary" href="/20-108.2/">20-108.2</a>, may initiate a review of the amount of support ordered by any court.
			If no answer is received by the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> within 10 days of the date of service or acceptance, the <span class="dictionary">administrative support order</span> shall be effective as provided in the notice. The <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may initiate collection procedures pursuant to this chapter, Chapter 11 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Short title" href="/16.1-226/">16.1-226</a> et seq.) of Title 16.1 or Title 20. The debtor and the <span class="dictionary">obligee</span> have 10 days from the date of receipt of the notice to file an answer with the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> to exercise the right to an administrative <span class="dictionary">hearing</span>.
			Any changes in the amount of the <span class="dictionary">administrative order</span> must be made pursuant to this section. In no event shall an administrative <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> alter or <span class="dictionary">amend</span> the amount or terms of any <span class="dictionary">court order</span> for support or <span class="dictionary">decree</span> of divorce ordering support. No <span class="dictionary">administrative support order</span> may be retroactively modified, but may be modified from the date that notice of the review has been served on the nonrequesting <span class="dictionary">party</span>. Notice of each review shall be served on the nonrequesting <span class="dictionary">party</span> (1) in accordance with the provisions of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Manner of serving process upon natural persons" href="/8.01-296/">8.01-296</a>, <a class="law" title="Acceptance of service of process" href="/8.01-327/">8.01-327</a>, or <a class="law" title="Service of process or notice; service on Secretary of Commonwealth" href="/8.01-329/">8.01-329</a>, (2) by certified mail, return receipt requested, (3) by <span class="dictionary">electronic means</span>, or (4) by the nonrequesting <span class="dictionary">party</span> executing a <span class="dictionary">waiver</span>. The existence of an <span class="dictionary">administrative order</span> shall not preclude either an <span class="dictionary">obligor</span> or <span class="dictionary">obligee</span> from commencing appropriate proceedings in a juvenile and domestic relations district court or a <span class="dictionary">circuit</span> court. <a id="paragraph-216011" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/63.2-1916/#17"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1985, c. 488, &#xA7; 63.1-252.1; 1986, c. 594; 1987, cc. 640, 649; 1988, c. 906; 1991, cc. 651, 694; 1993, c. 534; 1994, c. 764; 1995, cc. 593, 600; 1996, cc. 879, 884, 889; 1997, cc. 796, 895; 1998, cc. 107, 885; 2002, cc. 747, 844; 2004, c. 204; 2006, cc. 720, 869; 2007, c. 600; 2009, cc. 706, 713; 2016, c. 29; 2020, cc. 1227, 1246; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 222.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
