If none of these are successful, the CSEA may take the case to court for stronger enforcement methods. My children's father retired from the Navy when he was only 40, just before our divorce. Yes, it is possible to garnish the wages of active, reserve and retired members of the military and Federal government civilian employees. Under Federal law, the CSEA may offset State income tax refunds for past-due support owed. The most difficult child support cases are those in which the absent parent lives in one state and the children in another.
Help is still available, but service is slower.
Each state has child support offices and an independent court system with varying laws, practices and traditions. Hawaii officials have no control over the child support offices and courts in other states. It may take time to get a court date or to serve notice on the absent parent.