FIDM is an enforcement tool used to collect arrears, or owed child support. The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) identifies financial accounts of parents who owe child support and may freeze and seize these accounts. The following criteria is considered when the FIDM process is initiated:

Financial institution name and account number are needed.

• The support order must be at least six months old.
• More than one month’s obligation must be overdue.
• OCSS can process FIDM even if the parent who is paying child support is currently paying to reduce the arrears balance.
• The Advance Notice of Default and Potential Action Notice must have been sent to parent who is paying child support.
• The parent who is paying child support cannot be in bankruptcy. OCSS can proceed once bankruptcy action has been resolved. Bankruptcy does not excuse the child support obligation, including arrears.
• There cannot be pending court action, however OCSS can proceed once the court action has been resolved.