IM-01-02, Determining the Controlling Order

INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

OCSE IM-01-02

DATE: April 18, 2001

TO: ALL STATE AGENCIES ADMINISTERING CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT PLANS APPROVED UNDER TITLE IV-D OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES

SUBJECT: Determining the Controlling Order

BACKGROUND: The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) mandated State IV-D agencies to adopt the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). One of UIFSA’s provisions includes a process to eliminate multiple child support orders in interstate cases. This process is called "determining the controlling order" (DCO). The attached Techniques on Effective Management and Program Operations (TEMPO) explains the controlling order concept and answers questions relating to who can do a controlling order determination, what orders to include in the DCO, and the rules that govern DCO process. The purpose of this publication is to assist the child support community in taking full advantage of the DCO process.

ATTACHMENT: TEMPO 150 Determining the Controlling Order

INQUIRIES: Please direct inquiries to Ms. Dianne Offett, Interstate Liaison, OCSE, Division of State, Tribal and Local Assistance, (202) 401-5425.

Frank Fuentes
Acting Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement

TEMPO - Determining the Controlling Order