Process is key: A compliance guide to child support income withholding

Employers are regularly part of the collection process when an employee is ordered to pay child support or maintenance. Based on state law, a court order for child support shall constitute an assignment of all income, including commissions, earnings, salaries, wages, pension benefits, and other money due. Wisconsin employers may receive an Income Withholding for Support notice that directs a specified amount to be deducted from an employee’s earnings and sent to the appropriate governmental disbursement unit. Although income withholding for support is similar to an ordinary payroll deduction, it is a legal obligation that requires accurate and timely processing.

Income withholding not limited to delinquent employees

Wisconsin law generally requires orders for child support, maintenance, and family support to include immediate income withholding as the method for making regular payments. Courts or their designated child support agencies process the Income Withholding for Support notices as standardized forms. The agencies then provide the notices directly to employers with little to no involvement from the employee.