Frequently Asked Questions - Child Support Services, Department of (DEP)

What services does DCSS provide when a person opens a case? DCSS can

Use a variety of locate services to locate the NP

Establish paternity (fatherhood)

Obtain child support and medical support orders

Enforce court orders for child support

Modify existing orders

Collect and distribute support payments

Can I open a case at DCSS even if I already have an attorney?

Yes, custodial or noncustodial parents can open a case with DCSS even if they currently have a private attorney. DCSS has enforcement options not available to private attorneys, such as intercepting tax refunds, suspending state licenses, and intercepting state disability and unemployment benefits.
How long will it take to get a case opened?
DCSS has up to 20 days to open your case once it receives your application.
How long will it take before I begin to receive child support payments?
Generally, you will wait three to six months to start receiving payments. The length of time depends on factors such as whether DCSS has the noncustodial parent’s current address and an employer’s address, and whether there is a court order.
Why does it take three to six months?
DCSS has to locate the noncustodial parent (NP) and establish the legal basis for collecting support. Sometimes the NP is hard to locate. If there is no court order, the DCSS must get one, then follow required legal procedures to enforce it.
If I am receiving public assistance, do I have to apply to DCSS for support services?
No, the case will be automatically referred to DCSS.
Can DCSS help me with custody or visitation issues?
No, DCSS only establishes and enforces orders for child and family support. If you have custody or visitation issues, call the Family Court Clinic Information Line at (408) 882-2900 or contact a private attorney.
If the NP lives outside California, can DCSS still collect child support?
Yes. DCSS can open a case, then ask another jurisdiction to enforce our court order. We ask the other jurisdiction to collect the child support and forward it to us. Sometimes these cases take longer than others to complete due to complications of dealing with support offices in the other state.
The other parent is self-employed. Can DCSS still collect support for me?
Yes, but these cases can be more difficult and take a longer time to enforce. The Department attorney will decide which enforcement tool is best designed to enforce the parent’s support obligation.
Will I have to go to court?
Cases can often be settled without need of a court appearance; however, sometimes such an appearance is essential to establish paternity and support, or to change the amount of a support order. An attorney from the Department will be present in court to handle legal issues and present whatever evidence may be needed. You will receive advance notice when you need to go to court.
What if I have an older order but I’ve lost it and need a copy? Where can I get one?
You can request a copy of an older court order from the Court Clerk at 170 Park Center Plaza. You’ll need either to go down to Park Center Plaza or request the order by mail.