Administrative Hearings

The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is tasked to hear contested cases, and to issue decisions and orders from administrative actions taken by the  Child Support Services Division (CSSD). The hearings are conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  Basic information about the hearing process is outlined in the steps below. Additional hearing information is provided by the Office of Administrative Hearings.

A Hearing is Requested

• Each CSSD action begins with a notice, each notice will have an accompanying hearing request. You are not required to use the hearing request form but all hearing requests must be made in writing. The request must include: your name, case number, mailing address, telephone number where you can be reached for the hearing and a reason for requesting the hearing. If you have an attorney please also provide their address and phone number. 
• Your request must be received by the OAH by the time stated in the notice.

A Hearing is Granted

• If your hearing request is granted, you will receive an Order Scheduling Hearing advising you of the date and time the hearing will be held. If the hearing is scheduled for a time when you cannot attend, you may request that the hearing be held at another time or date by filing a written request with the OAH prior to the hearing date.

A Hearing is Held

• The hearing will be conducted via Zoom. You must call in to the hearing using either a computer/smart device or telephone. If you experience technical difficulties, call the Office of Administrative Hearings at (406) 444-2470.
• The ALJ will decide your case based solely on the law, testimony and exhibits provided at the hearing; after the record is closed, you will not be permitted to submit additional information, without the ALJ's express permission. Therefore, it is important that you are prepared to present everything at the time of the hearing.

After the Hearing 

• The ALJ will prepare a written decision and order, a copy of which will be sent to you.