Child Support Services Department - Things to know

Child Support Services Department – Things to know

Child support services laws vary by state in the United States, but there are some common provisions and guidelines that govern these services. Here are some key points to know about child support services laws:

1. Establishment of child support: Child support services help establish and enforce court orders for child support payments from non-custodial parents to custodial parents. The amount of child support is determined based on factors such as income, number of children, and other expenses.

2. Enforcement of child support: Child support services agencies have the authority to enforce child support orders by taking actions such as wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver's licenses, taking of passports, and other legal measures.

3. Modification of child support: Parents can request a modification of child support if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as loss of income or increase in expenses. Child support services agencies can assist with the modification process.

4. Interstate child support: Child support services laws also address cases involving parents living in different states. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) helps to enforce child support orders across state lines and ensures cooperation between states.

In order for a child support order from another state to be entered in the state of California, the Child Support Services Department must provide written notification of their Intent to Register an Out of State Order with the Court. From the first notification of this act, you have 20 days to dispute the child support order, penalties, and interest. This timeline is extremely important and can greatly affect whether you can dispute charges, direct payments previously made.

5. Penalties for non-payment: Non-payment of child support can result in serious consequences, such as fines, jail time, and suspension of professional licenses. Child support services agencies have the authority to take legal action against parents who fail to meet their support obligations.

In California, there is no statute of limitations on collecting child support. This means that a parent can seek to enforce a child support order at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the child support was originally ordered. The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) has the authority to enforce child support orders and collect past due payments, even if the child is now an adult.

It is important for parents to fulfill their child support obligations and make timely payments to support their children. Failure to pay child support can result in legal consequences, including wage garnishment, suspension of driver's licenses, and other penalties. Parents who are experiencing difficulties with child support payments should contact the DCSS for assistance. If you need legal advice from an experienced attorney, please call our firm for a consultation immediately.