How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in California

17 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in California

California handles custody in superior courts across all 58 counties. The Department of Child Support Services runs enforcement through local child support agencies (LCSAs) in every county. Los Angeles County operates the largest family court system in the US. Major metros include LA, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento. LA County's LAFLA, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego are the largest legal aid programs.

17 Resources

1. CA Dept of Child Support Services (DCSS) — Free

Statewide agency overseeing 47 local child support agencies. Opens cases, locates absent parents, establishes paternity, obtains and enforces court orders, and collects and distributes payments. Call (866) 901-3212 to open a case or manage an existing one. Use Customer Connect at childsupport.ca.gov for 24/7 self-service case management. Fathers can also contact DCSS to ensure fair support calculations based on custody time.

(866) 901-3212 · P.O. Box 419064, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

2. CA Child Support — Customer Connect Portal — Free

Secure self-service portal to manage your California child support case 24/7 online. Contact your caseworker, view payment history, update personal information, submit documents, and request order modifications without calling. Access through the DCSS website at childsupport.ca.gov. Create a free account using your case number. Available in English and Spanish. A convenient alternative to waiting on hold or visiting an office in person.

(866) 901-3212 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. CA Guideline Child Support Calculator — Free

Official calculator using California's Statewide Uniform Guideline to estimate child support. Factors in both parents' gross income, time-share percentages, tax filing status, health insurance costs, and other variables. Free tool from the CA Dept of Child Support Services. Use it before court hearings to understand what to expect. Results are estimates — actual orders are set by a judge. Available at childsupport.ca.gov.

(866) 901-3212 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Parentage Opportunity Program (POP) — Free

Allows eligible parents to voluntarily establish legal parentage at no cost through the Voluntary Declaration of Parentage. A signed VDOP has the same legal effect as a court order. Forms available at any local child support agency, hospital, or at parentage.dcss.ca.gov. Fathers who sign gain legal parental rights and responsibilities. Email askpop@dcss.ca.gov with questions. Essential for unmarried fathers wanting legal recognition.

(866) 901-3212 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

5. LA County Child Support Services — Free

Largest county child support agency in California serving LA-area families. Multiple offices including Commerce, Antelope Valley, and South LA with Spanish-speaking staff available. Handles new case openings, order establishment, enforcement, modification requests, and payment processing. Call (866) 901-3212 or visit cssd.lacounty.gov for case access. Walk-in at the Commerce office or schedule a phone appointment.

(866) 901-3212 · 5770 South Eastern Ave, Commerce, CA 90040 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

6. San Francisco Dept of Child Support Services — Free

Full-service child support for San Francisco residents including order establishment, modification requests, enforcement actions, and paternity establishment. TTY services available for hearing-impaired callers. Located on Mission Street in SF. Call (866) 901-3212 or use Customer Connect online for 24/7 case access. Caseworkers assist with income withholding setup and interstate support cases when the other parent lives out of state.

(866) 901-3212 · 617 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

7. San Diego County Child Support Services — Free

Manages child support cases for San Diego and Imperial Counties from three locations including central San Diego, Escondido, and National City. Saturday hours available for working parents who can't visit during the week. Handles order establishment, enforcement, modification, paternity, and interstate support. Email HeretoHelp@sdcounty.ca.gov or call (866) 901-3212. Use Customer Connect for 24/7 online case management.

(866) 901-3212 · 3666 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123 · Mon-Fri 7:30-5; Sat 9-1 · Visit Website

8. Sacramento County Child Support Services — Free

Comprehensive child support services for Sacramento-area cases including order establishment, modification, enforcement, and paternity establishment. Online case access available 24/7 through the statewide Customer Connect portal at childsupport.ca.gov. Located on Power Inn Road in Sacramento. Call (866) 901-3212 to speak with a caseworker or schedule an in-person appointment. Spanish-language services available.

(866) 901-3212 · 3701 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

9. Orange County Child Support Services — Free

Independent county child support agency in Santa Ana serving all Orange County families. Online portal at css.ocgov.com for case status, payment history, and appointment scheduling. Open Monday-Friday 7am-4:30pm. Handles order establishment, income withholding, enforcement, modification, and paternity cases. Call (866) 901-3212 to speak with a caseworker. Walk-in early to avoid long waits during peak hours.

(866) 901-3212 · 1055 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 · Mon-Fri 7-4:30 · Visit Website

10. CA Child Support Order Modification — Free

Either parent can request a child support order modification when there is a significant change in circumstances such as job loss, change in custody time, or significant income change. Request through Customer Connect online, by phone at (866) 901-3212, or by filing in family court. Modifications are typically retroactive only to the filing date, so act quickly when circumstances change. Free modification review available through DCSS.

(866) 901-3212 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

11. Center for Fathers and Families — Sacramento — Free

United Way partner nonprofit helping Sacramento-area fathers become active presences in their children's lives. Offers parenting classes, legal navigation, case management, and referrals to child support and custody resources. Call (916) 568-3237 for information. Located on Del Paso Blvd. Assists fathers with court navigation, understanding rights, and connecting with community support services. Free to eligible participants.

(916) 568-3237 · 920 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815 · Mon-Fri, call for hours · Visit Website

12. Alameda County Child Support Services (Oakland) — Free

Full-service child support for Alameda County residents including order establishment, modification requests, enforcement, and paternity establishment. Located in Hayward. Call (866) 901-3212 for case management or use the statewide Customer Connect portal at childsupport.ca.gov for 24/7 online access. Serves Oakland, Fremont, Berkeley, and surrounding communities. Spanish-speaking staff available.

(866) 901-3212 · 28035 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

13. Riverside County Child Support Services — Free

Local child support agency serving Riverside County families with case management, order modification, enforcement, and paternity establishment. Located in Riverside on Iowa Avenue. Call (866) 901-3212 or use the Customer Connect portal for 24/7 online case access. Handles income withholding, license suspension for non-payment, and interstate support coordination. Open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.

(866) 901-3212 · 2041 Iowa Ave., Suite B-200, Riverside, CA 92507 · Mon-Fri 8-4:30 · Visit Website

14. San Bernardino County Child Support Services — Free

Local child support office for Inland Empire families in San Bernardino County. Services include paternity establishment, new order setup, modification requests, and enforcement actions. Located in Loma Linda. Call (866) 901-3212 or access your case 24/7 via Customer Connect at childsupport.ca.gov. Serves San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, and surrounding communities. Spanish-speaking staff available.

(866) 901-3212 · 10417 Mountain View Ave., Loma Linda, CA 92354 · Mon-Fri 8-5

15. Fresno County Child Support Services — Free

Local child support agency serving Fresno County with full case management including order establishment, paternity, enforcement, and modification services. Located on Tulare Street in downtown Fresno. Call (866) 901-3212 for case inquiries or use the statewide Customer Connect portal online 24/7. Serves families throughout Fresno County including Clovis, Sanger, and Madera areas. Spanish-speaking staff available.

(866) 901-3212 · 2220 Tulare St., Suite 1100, Fresno, CA 93721 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

16. Santa Clara County Child Support Services (San Jose) — Free

Full-service child support for Santa Clara County families including paternity establishment, order setup, modification requests, and enforcement. Located on South De Anza Blvd in San Jose. Call (866) 901-3212 or use Customer Connect at childsupport.ca.gov for 24/7 online case management. Serves San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and surrounding communities. Spanish-speaking staff available during business hours.

(866) 901-3212 · 1596 S. De Anza Blvd., San Jose, CA 95129 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

17. Contra Costa County Child Support Services — Free

Local child support agency serving Contra Costa County with full case management including order establishment, paternity, enforcement, and modification services. Located in Martinez, the county seat. Call (866) 901-3212 or use the Customer Connect portal at childsupport.ca.gov for 24/7 online access. Serves Richmond, Concord, Antioch, and all Contra Costa communities. Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

(866) 901-3212 · 40 Douglas Dr., Suite 100, Martinez, CA 94553 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.