FAQs:

Case Opening

Who can open a case in the Department of Child Support Services?

Any custodial party or non-custodial parent may open a case in our office. If you are currently receiving benefits from CalWORKS, Department of Social Services must refer your case to us and a case will be opened on your behalf.

I am not receiving CalWORKS; how do I apply for your services?

To request an application, you may call us at 866-901-3212 . To request an application by mail, send your request to Department of Child Support Services, P. O. Box 1289, Hanford, CA 93232 or you may go to the Forms section of this website and print off an application package.

What is the cost of your services?

Our services are free. We do not charge a fee, nor do we retain any of the money we collect.

Can I still open a child support case even if the other parent has been gone a long time?

Yes. But the longer parents are gone, the harder it may be to find them. For more information on locating parents, go our locate section.

Is my child support case open to the public?

Child Support case information is confidential and not open to the public, but court files may be public record.

Will you open a case for spousal support only?

We will enforce spousal support obligations only when child support is also ordered in the court order or if the non-custodial parent resides in another state and the only way to enforce the obligation is through the local child support services agency.

The non-custodial parent and I already have an agreement regarding child support. Why are you pursuing him/her?

This office must legally establish paternity, child support and health insurance in a court order. An agreement, even notarized agreement is not an enforceable court order, which is what we are required to pursue.

How long will it be before I start receiving child support payments?

It varies from case to case depending on the information provided and the cooperation received from the non-custodial parent.

Paternity

Can I get child support if I'm not sure who the father of my child is?

No. Paternity must be established before child support can be ordered. Paternity gives your child many rights, including child support, access to medical records, government benefits and more.

What if the father leaves the state before it's proven that he is the father?

The local court may use information they have to decide paternity without him. If paternity is established without the alleged father's cooperation, the court may order him to pay child support no matter where he lives, even if he is out of California.

The man doesn't have any money or even a job to support my child. Why should I bother proving that he is the father?

If you don't establish paternity, your child will not be able to get child support or health insurance even after the alleged father gets a job. Proving he is the father as soon as possible makes collecting child support easier later on.

What takes place during genetic testing?

In this county, a “buckle-swab” is performed. No needles or blood drawing needed.

Location

My child's father is in the military, but I don't know where he is stationed. Can the Department of Child Support Services find him?

Yes. Current address information for military personnel may be obtained from the federal government. If you know the non-custodial parent’s Social Security Number, it will help.

What locate information are you looking for?

We are looking for the non-custodial parent’s home and work address, employer, date of birth and Social Security Number, assets and if he or she has other children to legally support.

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