Department of Child Support Services

In California, child support services are provided to the general public through a network of 47 local child support agencies, operated at the county level. The agencies help all parents navigate the child support process from beginning to end, whether the parents were married or not, live in different states or are even in a different country.

The 47 child support agencies across California establish and enforce child support and medical support orders. Either parent or any guardian of a child can open a child support case, whether or not there is an existing child support order, and a case is automatically opened when a child receives public assistance. All case services are handled at the county or regional level and all child support-related questions should be first routed to the agency in your county or region of residence.

Having a case with Child Support Services creates a record of all child support payments, provides a neutral go-between for parents, and can help both parents avoid court and assist with navigating the child support system. Child Support Services staff act in the public interest and do not represent either side of a child support case. These services are provided at little or no cost.

Your local agency can help both of you know what to expect, and will work with you to make the child support process as stress-free as possible. They can even help you work out an agreement for child support and avoid court.