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Child Support Process

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Six Steps in a Child Support Case

 
 Apply for Child Support Services 

 Either parent can open a child support case, as can a child’s legal guardian. To open a case in California, fill out the online application or visit your local child support agency.

  Summons and Complaint

 After the case is opened, the parent being asked to pay child support will be given a Summons and Complaint packet. You only have 30 days to respond, or a “default” child support order may be ordered by the judge without your financial situation being considered.

  Establish Legal Parentage 

 If you are served with a Summons and Complaint and you do not believe you are the biological parent of the child, you may file an answer and request genetic testing. If you do not request genetic testing, you will be assigned legal parentage by default.

  Court Sets a Child Support Order 

 If you are served with a Summons and Complaint and do not agree with the proposed amount, you may request a court hearing. If you do agree to the proposed amount and wish to avoid a court hearing, a Stipulation or legal agreement will be filed with the courts.  

 Enforce the Child Support Order

 The child support order is a legally binding court order. Once it is filed with the courts, the child support office will collect and disperse payments. If a parent fails to pay the child support order, legal actions may be taken against the parent.

 Change the Child Support Order

If either parent has a change in financial or living circumstances, the parent may request a review of the child support order; this is known as a modification.