Case management services

Monitoring & enforcing child support orders

Child support liens & the lien docket

Federal and state laws give child support agencies the option of using "administrative enforcement" actions. Administrative enforcement allows the child support agency to act without going to court. In Wisconsin, these actions are based on the child support lien.

Child Support Lien
A child support lien is a hold placed on property (such as land and cars) until past-due child support is paid. These liens will be placed without a court hearing. Liens must be paid off (satisfied) or released before the parent can sell the property. In most cases, a lien is automatically created when past-due support is $500 or more. Past-due support for a child support lien does not include unpaid birth costs, fees, or interest.

Child Support Lien Docket
The Child Support Lien Docket is an electronic list of all parents with child support liens in Wisconsin. This list includes the names of parents owing past-due support and the lien amounts. The Department of Children and Families maintains the Child Support Lien Docket. The Lien Docket is a public record.

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