Child Support in California
The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) trying to promote the well-being of children by making sure that financial, medical, and emotional needs are all meet. This includes the delivery of child support payments. Regardless of your income, marital status, or enrollment in a public assistance program, you can partake of the free services offered by DCSS.
To apply for child support, you will need to contact a local child support office and request an application. This process can be started before you even give birth if necessary. Local offices may be located by searching the Local Child Support Agencies online.
A caseworker will cover all the information needed from you including information about the non-custodial parent such as name, address, name of employer, etc. You will need to have a copy of your tax returns for the past two years, paycheck stubs, and marriage license and divorce decree or separation order. You will need a copy of your child’s birth certificate, his or her social security number, and proof of paternity. If the father is denying paternity, a genetic test can be done to establish paternity, but only after the child is at least six months of age.
If you are having a problem locating the father, DCSS can help locate them by searching both state and federal records. This includes employment records, credit bureaus, social services records, motor vehicle and driver’s license registration, utility companies, law enforcement agencies, state licensing boards, military records, and records from the United States Postal Service.
Child support orders will be enforced, even if the non-custodial parent has moved to another state. Collection of funds includes withholding money from paychecks, attaching bank accounts, suspension of driver’s license, seizure of property, passport denial, and interception of tax refunds, lottery winnings, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, or worker’s compensation insurance.
The amount of monies to be paid as child support will be decided by the court. It will be based primarily on each parent’s income and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. The non-custodial parent may contact DCSS to set up child support payments or have the payments reviewed if something in the case has changed significantly. A Notice of Motion must be filed with the court to modify the order. Non-custodial parents who lose their job should contact the office of DCSS as soon as possible. While you are still responsible for paying child support, the order will need to be reviewed upon loss of income. If the non-custodial parent has remarried and has children from that relationship, the court will need to review the orders.
If you fall behind in child support payments, the DCSS has two plans to help you pay up what you owe. The Compromise of Arrearages – Family Reunification Program is for parents who get behind because the child received aid while in foster care or living with a guardian. You may qualify for this program if the child is a minor who is currently living with you and your income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level. The second plan is the Compromise of Arrears Program. This is for parents who owe more than $5,000 in back child support and meet additional criteria.