San Bernardino County Collects Over $150 Million Despite Tough Economy

The San Bernardino County Child Support Services was successful yet again in its child support collection efforts.

Until two years ago, the department saw a decline in the amount of support it collected. But now, despite the poor economy and the growing unemployment rate, the county was able to recover $151 million in child support last year. The previous year the county collected $153 million in support.

The county used a variety of collection techniques to recover the money, including intercepting tax refunds and stimulus checks, taking a portion of disability and unemployment benefits, and seeking real estate liens.

While the county is obviously pleased with its collection efforts, there is some concern that the job market will continue to affect parents’ ability to continue making payments. Following a job loss or layoff, a person ordered to pay child support may not be able to afford the payments. Instead of asking the courts for help, some people try to hide from the system.

Connie Brunn, director of the San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services, urges parents who can no longer afford their child support obligations to come forward and ask for help. If the payments are too high, parents can request a modification to have the payment amount lowered. Many judges understand that people are struggling financially, and are willing to help those who show they genuinely cannot afford to make their current payments. When people try to hide or avoid their child support obligations, not only will they end up paying more  in the end due to a 10% interest rate, but the county is going to come after them.