Can I pay child support directly to the other parent?

Yes, in some circumstances, you are allowed to pay child support directly to the other parent. However, you should read the order that establishes or modifies your child support to see how the judge ordered you to pay.

In Department of Revenue child support cases, the child support is ordered to be paid through the State Disbursement Unit in Tallahassee. In some divorce and paternity cases, you may also be required to make child support payments through the State Disbursement Unit rather than make direct payments to the other parent.

If you were ordered to pay thought the State Disbursement Unit and you pay the child support directly to the other parent, then the State Disbursement Unit will assume that you did not pay and you will start accruing an arrearage in their system. This can be corrected, but it can take a while and cost you unnecessary attorney fees.

Child support should always be paid as directed in your court order.