Starting a child support case is often overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. In San Diego, there’s a step-by-step process designed to support families and ensure children receive financial help from both parents. Here’s how you can get started.
Enroll in The Child Support Program
The first step is to sign up with California Child Support Services (CCSS). You’ll need to fill out an enrollment form, providing basic information about yourself, your child, and the other parent. This form is available online, or you can pick one up from your local Child Support Services office
The Agency Helps With the Process
Once you submit the form, CCSS takes over part of the process. They will try to locate the other parent, which sometimes takes some time, depending on the information available. If it’s not already clear who the other parent is, the agency can help establish legal parentage.
Working Toward a Support Order
When both parents are found, the agency will see if everyone can reach a support agreement outside court. If both parties agree, you can sign a stipulated agreement, which basically means you agree for the court to make a formal order based on terms you both accept. This can go faster and might feel less stressful than a regular court hearing.
Going Through a Child Support Hearing
If talks and mediation between parents don’t work out, the agency will ask the court to set an amount for child support. You’ll both need to attend a hearing, explain your side, show proof of income or other financial documents, and answer basic information about your expenses for the child. The judge then makes the final decision about how much support is appropriate based on the circumstances.
While you are able to do this on your own, it’s always helpful to reach out to a family law attorney for help to make sure you’re getting everything you and your child are entitled to.
What Happens if My Adult Child Needs Child Support?
When most people think about child support in California, they picture payments stopping as soon as the child turns 18. That’s often the case, but not always. California law says that both parents must help financially care for their adult child if the child can’t work because of a disability.
3910. (a) Each parent of a child has an equal responsibility to maintain, to the extent of their ability, their child of whatever age who is incapacitated from earning a living and without sufficient means.
This means that, even when your child is legally an adult, support might need to keep going. If your adult son or daughter can’t earn enough money due to a severe disability and can’t provide for themselves, support does not automatically end.