Rule 100.4 Authority of Administrative Hearing Officers

Administrative hearing officers in child support cases have real authority to run hearings and keep things moving. They can set schedules, manage paperwork and evidence, and make sure both sides follow the rules. They also have the power to compel parties to show up and participate.

These officers can handle discovery disputes, which means they decide if one side is not sharing information they should be sharing. They can issue orders to make parties comply and can sanction someone who refuses to follow the rules.

At the end of a hearing, the officer can recommend a decision or issue a final ruling depending on what the case calls for. Their goal is to resolve child support matters efficiently while making sure both sides are treated fairly.