How to File for Child Support in California
Complete step-by-step guide to filing for child support in California. Learn the filing process, required forms, court procedures, timeline, and costs.
Estimate your potential child support amount using our free calculator:
Calculate Child SupportMethod 1: Through LCSA (Recommended)
- ✓Free or low-cost ($20 max for non-assistance cases)
- ✓Full-service: locate parent, establish paternity, collect support
- ✓No attorney needed
- ✓Automatic wage withholding
- ⚠Slower process (2-4 months typical)
Best for: Most parents, especially those receiving public assistance or unfamiliar with court procedures
Method 2: Direct Court Filing
- ✓Faster initial hearing (6-8 weeks)
- ✓More control over process and timing
- ✓Can combine with custody/visitation in same case
- ⚠Filing fee $435-$450 (waiver available)
- ⚠More paperwork and court procedures to manage
Best for: Parents comfortable with legal procedures, or those filing alongside custody/divorce cases
Step 1: Contact Your County LCSA
Find your county's Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) office. Each California county has a local office.
Contact Methods:
- Call: 1-866-901-3212 (California DCSS hotline)
- Online: Visit childsupport.ca.gov
- In person: Search "child support services [your county]" for local office
Step 2: Complete Application
LCSA will provide an application form (usually online or in-office). You'll need to provide:
Your Information:
- Full name, address, SSN
- Employment and income details
- Current custody arrangement
- Banking info (for direct deposit)
Other Parent's Information:
- Full name, last known address
- SSN or birth date (if known)
- Employer information (if known)
- Vehicle/property info (if known)
Step 3: LCSA Opens Case
LCSA assigns a case number and caseworker. Processing time: 2-4 weeks.
During this time, LCSA will:
- Locate the other parent (if needed)
- Establish paternity (if needed) via form FL-200
- Gather income information from both parents
- Prepare court documents
Step 4: Court Hearing
LCSA files the case in court and both parents are notified of the hearing date (typically 4-8 weeks after case opening).
What to Bring:
- Photo ID
- Income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
- Proof of child-related expenses (childcare, medical, education)
- Any existing custody orders
Step 5: Child Support Order Issued
The judge reviews both parents' incomes and issues a child support order using California's guideline formula.
Order typically includes:
- Monthly support amount
- Payment method (usually wage withholding)
- Effective date (often retroactive to filing date)
- Health insurance responsibility
- Childcare and uncovered medical cost sharing
Step 6: Enforcement & Collection
LCSA automatically sets up payment collection and enforcement:
- Wage withholding order sent to paying parent's employer
- State Disbursement Unit (SDU) processes payments
- Direct deposit to receiving parent's account
- Enforcement actions if payments missed (license suspension, tax intercept, etc.) - Learn more about California enforcement methods
Step 1: Gather Required Forms
Download forms from California Courts website (courts.ca.gov/forms):
| Form Number | Form Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| FL-300 | Request for Order | Initiates child support request |
| FL-150 | Income and Expense Declaration | Your financial information |
| FL-342 | Child Support Information and Order Attachment | Support details and calculations |
| FL-192 | Notice of Rights and Responsibilities | Health insurance & support rights |
| FL-195 | Petition to Determine Parental Relationship | If paternity not established |
Optional: Form FW-001 (fee waiver) if you can't afford the filing fee
Step 2: Complete the Forms
Fill out all forms accurately. Key tips:
- FL-150 (Income Declaration): List all income sources, attach pay stubs and last year's tax return. Include monthly expenses.
- FL-342: Use California's guideline calculator (DissoMaster or online tool) to calculate proposed support. Attach printout.
- FL-300: State clearly what you're requesting (e.g., "child support pursuant to California Family Code § 4050")
- Make 2 copies of all forms (one for court, one for other parent, one for your records)
Step 3: File with Court
Submit forms to your county's Superior Court Family Law division:
Filing Fee: $435-$450 (varies by county)
Fee Waiver: If your income is below certain thresholds or you receive public benefits, file FW-001 to request waiver
Where to File: Superior Court in the county where you or the child lives
What You'll Receive: File-stamped copies and a case number
Step 4: Serve the Other Parent
California law requires "service of process"—officially notifying the other parent.
Service Methods:
- Personal service: Someone 18+ (not you) hands documents to other parent
- Certified mail: With return receipt (some counties allow)
- Professional process server: Costs $50-$100
Deadline: Other parent must be served at least 16 court days before the hearing
Proof of Service: File form FL-330 or FL-335 with the court after service is completed
Step 5: Attend Court Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing, typically 6-8 weeks after filing. Both parents must attend.
What to Bring:
- Photo ID
- All filed forms and court notices
- Updated income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Child-related expense records (childcare, medical, education)
- Any evidence supporting your request
At the Hearing:
- Judge reviews both parents' income and expenses
- Court uses California guideline calculator to determine support
- Both parents can present evidence and arguments
- In rare cases, either parent may request deviation from the guideline (see deviation factors)
- Judge may order temporary support while case is pending
Step 6: Final Order & Enforcement
After the hearing, the court issues a Child Support Order (form FL-350 or FL-190).
- Wage withholding: Court typically orders automatic wage garnishment (form FL-195/WG-002)
- Payment through SDU: All payments go through California State Disbursement Unit
- If payments missed: You can request LCSA enforcement services or file an enforcement motion (FL-300)
| Milestone | LCSA Method | Court Filing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Application/Filing | Day 1: Submit application | Day 1: File forms with court |
| Case Processing | 2-4 weeks: LCSA opens case, locates parent | 1-2 days: Court assigns case number |
| Service | Handled by LCSA | Week 1-2: You arrange service |
| Hearing Scheduled | 4-8 weeks after case opening | 6-8 weeks after filing |
| Order Issued | At hearing (2-4 months total) | At hearing (6-12 weeks total) |
| First Payment | 2-4 weeks after order (wage withholding setup) | 2-4 weeks after order (wage withholding setup) |
| Total Time to First Payment | 3-5 months | 2-4 months |
LCSA Method
| Application Fee | $0-$20 |
| Free if receiving CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, or low income | |
| Service Costs | $0 |
| Attorney Fees | $0 |
| Total Out-of-Pocket | $0-$20 |
Court Filing Method
| Filing Fee | $435-$450 |
| Waivable with FW-001 if income-eligible | |
| Process Server | $0-$100 |
| Optional if you have someone to serve for free | |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $1,500-$5,000+ |
| Total Out-of-Pocket | $435-$5,550+ |
| Or $0-$100 with fee waiver | |
Government Resources
- California DCSS Official Site
Find local office, online application
- California Courts Self-Help
Forms, guides, videos
- Official CA Guideline Calculator
State-provided calculator
Free Legal Help
- Family Law Facilitator: Free in-person help at your county courthouse
- Legal Aid: Call 1-866-534-5243 to find local legal aid office
- LawHelpCA.org
Free legal information and referrals
- Self-Help Centers: Available at most Superior Court locations, staff assists with forms
Important Phone Numbers
Content Review
- Last Reviewed: January 18, 2025
- Next Review: July 18, 2025
- Reviewed By: Family Law Research Team
Content reviewed for accuracy and compliance with California Family Law as of January 2025
Accuracy Notice
This guide is based on California law as of January 2025. Laws and procedures may change. Always verify current requirements with your local court or LCSA.
Primary Legal Sources
- California Family Code Division 9, Part 2 - Child Support - Official statute text
- California Courts - Family Law Forms - FL-300, FL-150, FL-342, etc.
- California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) - Official filing procedures
- California Courts Self-Help Center - Free filing assistance
Before you begin, estimate your child support amount to know what to expect:
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