If you have been awarded child support through the court and were never paid even though the wages were garnished from the other parent what steps have to be taken in order to get the money that is owed to myself and children. This case was put into effect in 1976. The father is now deceased. Also both children are now over the age of 18. I would appreciate assistance on where to start.

Were you on any assistance at the time? How do you know for sure money was taken out of his pay for your specific case ?

At this point and time, it is likely that there is nothing you can do.

If the other parent just died... then you can file a claim against the estate (maybe)
It will depend on where you live and where the court order is from. Some have SOL on collections.

If the wages were garnished, where did the money go.

How do you know wages were garnished? If they were, then some agency was collecting them and they should have gone to you. So I would start by finding out what agency issued the garnishment order and then try to find out where the money went.

As far as any other back support, you are owed that amount despite the current age of your children. But the only way to collect that is by making a claim against the estate.