How to Collect Child Support Debt in California

Every state has a child support agency that can help you receive child support or enforce existing child support orders. In California, you can apply to Child Support Services through your county of residence. You must fill out a detailed application and provide as much information as possible to help expedite your case. You can apply for child support without fear of violent retribution by informing CSS about your fears on the application so that it does not release any information about you to your child's other parent.

Instructions

1

Download the application paperwork from Child Support Services or contact CSS by phone or email to request an application packet.

2

Complete the application for services with a black pen. Provide identifying information for each of your children, such as their names, date of birth and ethnic group. Do not list children who are not biologically related to the noncustodial parent who owes you child support. Provide financial and identifying information about both the custodial and noncustodial parent. Include the court order regarding child support. Provide information about the noncustodial parent's habits in the comments section, especially any dangers CSS should watch for when trying to enforce the order, such as a bad temper or gun ownership.

3

Sign and date the application and the request for child support services form. Bring the child care provider form to your babysitter or day care provider. The child care provider must fill out this form, reporting how much you pay him for child care, and sign and date the form.

4

Complete the visitation verification form. Report how often the child visits the noncustodial parent. Sign and date this form.

5

Provide information about your child's health insurance on the health insurance form. Include information about your insurance provider, the other parent's insurance provider and your children's insurance. Sign and date the form.

6

Complete the Declaration of Support Payment History. List any amounts of court-ordered support, how much you were paid and when you were paid. Sign and date the form.

7

Complete the Domestic Violence Questionnaire. Indicate if you or your child has ever been subject to domestic violence and explain the incident(s). If you feel you are in danger, tell CSS not to disclose your identifying or contact information to your child's other parent by checking the correct box on the bottom of the form. Sign and date the form.

8

Attach any child support or other court orders to the application package. Mail the entire package to Child Support Services. Pay a fee of $25 along with your application.

9

Check your mail for information from Child Support Services. CSS will let you know if it needs more information from you or if you need to testify in court. It will also send you a letter when child support services have been established for you. CSS does not have a specific time frame for completing requests. You can contact CSS at any time during the application process.to find out the status of your case.