Parties may also bring witnesses who can provide relevant testimony concerning the disputed issues. Before the hearing the CSEA representative may attempt to negotiate with the parties to reach an agreement. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the hearing will be conducted. Only the hearings officer, the parties, and their representatives are allowed in the hearings room. Witnesses must wait outside until they are called in to testify.
Hearings are tape recorded and the recording is part of the record of the case.
Parties may order a copy of the hearing tape. Hearing participants must conduct themselves in a professional manner. Yelling, shouting, and other hostile, aggressive, or intimidating behavior will not be allowed. The hearing officer may make a final decision or order at the conclusion of the hearing or take the matter under advisement and issue the order at a later date. The worksheet uses a mathematical formula based on the gross incomes of both parents to determine the amount of monthly child support.