Child Support Services

How do I apply for services?

You may request a paper application from your local child support office in person or by calling (866) 901-3212. You also have the option to submit an electronic application through the California Child Support website.

What is child support?

Monthly payments made by a parent to another parent, guardian, or caregiver for the financial benefits of the child(ren). The goal of child support is to divide associated costs with raising a child or children between parents. 

How do I remove child support from my credit report?

California Child Support Services is required to report parents to the major credit reporting agencies. If you are satisfying the monthly court order obligation, you will be reported as current to the credit bureaus. If you find a discrepancy on your credit report, there are two ways to dispute it, directly through the credit bureaus (Equifax, Transunion, or Experian), or complete the Credit Reporting Dispute Form and return it to the local child support agency.

What can I do if my order is too high or I cannot afford to make payments?

If your order is too high or you cannot afford to make payments, you may ask for a review of the child support court order. This process is called a modification. 

You should ask for a modification if:

• You are laid off or fired from your job
• Your income or the other parent’s income increases or decreases
• Custody or visitation changes
• Your family size changes
• You become disabled
• You go to jail or prison
• You are deployed to active military service

 You can also choose to petition the court yourself with the help of your county’s Family Law Facilitator or a private attorney, or your local child support agency can review your case at no charge. 

Why does my billing statement show I am delinquent when I know the payment is directly withheld from my paycheck? 

Your billing statement only shows payments received through the date of printing. If your child support payment was received after the first day of the month in which it was withheld, it will be reflected on the next billing statement and any interest accrued based on this payment will be credited to the legal date in which it was collected.

What if the other parent lives in another state or country?

Child support court orders can be enforced throughout the United State and in many other countries. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act governs the handling of interstate cases.

Does my child support stop when my child turns 18?

You will be billed ongoing child support until your child turns 18 or until your child turns 19 if he or she is full-time enrolled in a high school program.

What can the child support office do to help me?

• Establish parentage
• Request child and medical support orders from the court.
• If the office is collecting money for a current child support order and a spousal support order exists, the office will collect the spousal support obligation as a courtesy.
• Collect and send child support payments
• If you have had a change in circumstances such as job status, incarceration, or household size, you may request a review to modify the child support order.