This text does not display on the page but appears when editting. This is because the HTML editor was used to make this page. Adding questions must also be done using the HTML editor as the page uses custom styles and Javascript to display Questions and Answers. Answers may be edited and questions deleted without using the editor. Access the HTML editor by clicking on the <> above.
Click on a Question to expand the answer.
Case Opening
What is the cost of your services?
Our services are free.
Who is eligible for services?
Any parent can apply for child support services. We can open cases for non-parent payees when public assistance is granted or verification of legal guardianship is provided.
How do I open a case with the Department of Child Support Services?
To print an application, click the "Apply For Services" button or call 1-866-901-3212 to request an application by mail. You can pick one up at our office: 4651 Telephone Road, Suite 101, Ventura, CA.
What type of documentation is needed to proceed with a child support case?
The other parent's name and Social Security number are the most important pieces of information needed. Other helpful information would include place of employment, home and work address, date of birth and any existing court order information.
Why is it important to establish paternity?
The court cannot order the non-custodial parent to pay child support until paternity is legally established.
What happens after paternity is established?
Once paternity is established, the Department of Child Support Services will establish a child and medical support order. After establishing an order, the DCSS will use all resources available to enforce the court order.
What should I do when I get served with the Summons and Complaint?
Call our office to discuss the case and/or make an appointment. You may also respond to the Summons and Complaint by completing the Answer contained in the packet and filing it with the Superior Court clerk within 30 days.
What if I ignore the Summons and Complaint?
If you were served with the Summons and Complaint and do not respond, we will ask the court for a Default judgment. The Proposed Judgment served with the Summons and Complaint will be made an order of the court.
What happens if I file an Answer with the court?
When you file an Answer with the court, you will be given a court date to appear. At the hearing, you will have an opportunity to contest the Proposed Judgment.
How do I request a genetic test?
If you have been served with a Summons and Complaint you may be able to request genetic testing. For information, call our office at 1-866-901-3212.
How is the amount of child support determined?
The child support obligation is based on the income of both parents, the amount of time each parent cares for the children, and several other factors. The court uses child support guidelines provided by the California Family Code. The Guideline Calculator used in court is available to the public on the California DCSS website: Guideline Calculator
Is there a way to avoid going to court?
Yes. If both parents agree to a child support amount, you can avoid going to court by signing a stipulation, a court order mutually agreed upon. Call our office to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.
Case Management and Changes
My situation has changed. How do I get my child support amount changed?
Changing the child support amount is called a "modification" of the support order. Either party may ask for a review of their child support order by contacting the Department of Child Support Services. Documents will be sent to both parties to complete and return. For us to proceed, you must complete and return the documents within 20 days. You always have the option of making your request directly to the court.
Can I change the child support order if my child comes to live with me?
When there is a change of visitation or custody of the child, you may either ask our office to review the court order for a modification or go to court and ask for a hearing. In some instances, the court ordered amount may be reduced or the other parent may be required to pay support when a change in custody or visitation occurs.
Can I close my case?
If you are the party that applied for services you may request case closure. We cannot honor the request if the children are receiving public assistance. If the children are not receiving public assistance but there are arrears are owed to the state, the case will remain open to enforce those arrears only.
Financial Questions
How does my employer know how much money to deduct for child support?
After an order for child support is established, a wage assignment is sent to the non-custodial parent's employer with instructions on how much to deduct and where to send the payments.
Do I still have to pay child support if I lose my job?
You are still obligated to pay your support, but you can call our office and ask to have your case reviewed for modification. If the Department of Child Support Services is unable to honor your request you may file a request directly with the court.
When does child support stop?
In California, the monthly child support obligation stops once a child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Support may be charged up until the child's 19th birthday if proof of full-time high school attendance is provided in writing. The court may order child support to continue beyond the age of 18 in special circumstances. When the child emancipates, any past due support balance owed, remains due and payable.
For Parents of Children Receiving Public Assistance (TANF or MediCal)
I applied for public assistance but I did not apply for your services. Why was a case opened?
We are required to open a case and pursue child support when children are receiving cash aid or MediCal and one parent is not in the home. The Human Services Agency sends us a referral notifying us that aid is active.
The other parent and I already have an agreement regarding child support. Why are you involved?
Our office must establish paternity and a court order for child support when children are receiving public assistance.
What does it mean to "assign" my support rights?
By law, when you receive public assistance you assign your rights to child support. This gives the state the right to keep any child, spousal and medical support money that was owed to you while you received public assistance. The money will be used to reimburse the state for the aid you received.
What does it mean to "cooperate" with the Department of Child Support Services?
If you are receiving public assistance and you do not cooperate, your benefits may be affected. To "cooperate" means you must provide information and documents needed by the Department of Child Support Services to establish paternity, locate the other parent, and to help secure payments for your children. To be excused from cooperating, you may claim "Good Cause" with the Human Services Agency. Good Cause means you have acceptable reasons for not cooperating such as the probability of physical or emotional harm to you or your children. If the Human Services Agency finds that there is Good Cause, we will close our case.
If the non-custodial parent does not pay will it affect my public assistance benefits?
No. As long as you cooperate with the Department of Child Support Services, your eligibility will not be affected by the non-custodial parent's failure to pay.
Will you close your case if I am no longer receiving public assistance?
We will continue to collect child support on your behalf unless you ask us to close your portion of your case. If you request that we close your portion of the case, the case may remain open to collect any child support arrears owed for the time period you were receiving public assistance.
Miscellaneous
Can a friend, relative, or current spouse contact the Department of Child Support Services on my behalf?
Privacy laws prohibit our office from discussing or verifying any aspect of your case with third parties. If an attorney is representing you in the child support case, our office cannot speak with you directly without authorization from your attorney. Even with authorization, we can only provide general information without your attorney present.
If you did not find the answer you are looking for here please contact our office at 1-866-901-3212. See the Contact Us page for hours and office location.
What is the cost of your services?
