The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) is a government agency that provides the public with various information and resources related to child support orders in California. If you need any advice or assistance with your child support order in San Diego, you can reach out to the DCSS for answers.
Educates Parents and Guardians
The DCSS in California wants to give the public the information they need to understand child support orders in California, honor their child support obligations and enforce child support orders. It does this through 47 child support agencies located across the state.
Any parent or legal guardian can open a child support case with the DCSS, whether or not there is an existing child support order. Opening a case can create a record of child support issues and payments, as well as provide a neutral ground for both parents to help avoid conflicts.
The DCSS is a neutral, unbiased source of information and education for parents in California. Child Support Services staff members act in the public interest. They do not represent either parent in a child support case. Instead, they offer a variety of helpful services at little to no cost to both parents.
Establishes Paternity
The Department of Child Support Services can help parents who are going through paternity cases in California. Whether you wish to establish someone’s legal responsibility for your child or you are being asked to pay child support and don’t believe you are the parent, DCSS can help you with your legal matter. They can also help locate noncustodial parents to establish or enforce child support orders.
Enforces Child Support Orders
If you have a child support order that the other parent is ignoring, you can take your case to DCSS for assistance and enforcement. The delinquent parent could face repercussions such as driver’s license suspension, liens and being held in contempt of court for nonpayment. The DCSS’s enforcement services are free, making it an especially important resource for parents suffering financial hardship.
The DCSS also offers tools and platforms to help paying parents with child support orders. If you are the parent who is required to pay child support, it can benefit you to make your payments through the State Disbursement Unit. This will keep a record of all of your payments, which can be used as evidence if your ex-spouse accuses you of not paying.
Modifies Child Support
It is possible to modify a child support order in California once it is given by the courts. However, you must wait a reasonable amount of time and only request a modification if there has been a significant change in your circumstances since the original order was given. The DCSS can assist you with filing a request to modify the order if changes are necessary, such as if you lose your job.
The overall goal of the Department of Child Support Services in California is to promote the best interests and well-being of children by ensuring that they receive financial support from both parents. While the DCSS has helpful resources and staff members, some legal issues may be beyond their scope of ability.
If you have a complicated child support matter or want one-on-one counseling from a knowledgeable attorney in San Diego, contact our San Diego family law attorneys at Boyd Law for a free legal consultation.
