For custodial parents attempting to collect child support, legal recourse is available if paternity has been voluntarily acknowledged or proven through genetic testing. The state child support enforcement agency can assist in locating/identifying the father of a child. If paternity has been acknowledged and the whereabouts of the non-custodial parent are already known, the custodial parent can petition the family court for a child support order. This can be done at any time before the minor child reaches the age of 18. If child support has been awarded, the order cannot be changed without the permission of the court. Either parent can request a modification in the amount of weekly or monthly payments. There must generally be a significant change in financial circumstances for a judge to consider altering an existing order. In some jurisdictions, child support automatically terminates once a child reaches his/her majority. However, this is not always the case. Non-custodial parents should not assume that payroll deductions for child support will stop unless they follow up and ensure that it happens.