Dauphin County Domestic Relations - Harrisburg, PA

Dauphin County Domestic Relations

Family Support Services

The Dauphin County Domestic Relations Section (DRS) is a specialized division of the Court of Common Pleas dedicated to the establishment and enforcement of financial support for children and spouses. Located on South Front Street, separate from the main courthouse, this office serves as the primary point of contact for families navigating the child support system. The agency operates under the regulations of the Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement System (PACSES). Its primary goal is to ensure that children receive the financial support they are legally entitled to from both parents, regardless of the parents' marital status or living arrangements.

Core Functions and Procedures

The office handles a range of critical services, including the location of absent parents, the establishment of paternity through genetic testing, and the calculation of support orders based on Pennsylvania's income guidelines. DRS staff conduct conferences to help parents reach agreements on support amounts; if an agreement cannot be reached, the matter is forwarded to a hearing officer or judge. The agency also enforces existing support orders through various administrative and legal remedies, such as wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, and suspension of driver's licenses for non-compliance.

Online Services and Payments

Dauphin County Domestic Relations emphasizes the use of digital tools for efficiency. Clients are encouraged to use the PACSES online portal to monitor payments, check case status, and update personal information. Payments are typically processed through the State Collection and Disbursement Unit (SCDU) rather than directly at the local office window, ensuring a centralized and secure record of all transactions. The office also provides resources for employers regarding income withholding orders and medical support mandates.

Visitor Information

The Domestic Relations office is located on the 8th floor of the building at 25 South Front Street. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the building. It is advisable to bring all relevant financial documents, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of medical insurance expenses, when attending a scheduled conference or hearing. The office also assists with intergovernmental cases where one parent lives in a different state or country.