Last Updated: July 2026
In California, you file for child support in the Superior Court that has jurisdiction over your family case – often the same court where a divorce, parentage, or custody case is already open – or you can open a case through the local Department of Child Support Services (DCSS). Having a support amount written into a judgment is not the same as opening an enforcement case with DCSS.
Where Should You File a Request for Child Support in California?
If you already have a divorce, legal separation, parentage, or custody case, you typically file a Request for Order (RFO) in that same courthouse. If you do not have an open family-law case and are not filing for divorce, you may start with a Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children, or open a case with your local DCSS office. See our child support page for how guideline support works.
Do You File With the Court, DCSS, or Both?
The court issues and can modify child support orders. DCSS can help establish parentage, obtain orders, and enforce collection (wage withholding, tax intercepts, and more). Many parents use both: the court sets or modifies the order, while DCSS handles ongoing enforcement.
What Forms Do You Need?
Most court requests use Judicial Council forms such as FL-300 (Request for Order), plus income and expense disclosures and any local forms your county requires. Forms are available from the California Courts website. Fill them completely and accurately – incomplete paperwork is a common cause of delays.
Should an Attorney Review Your Forms Before Filing?
Yes, when possible. A family-law attorney or Family Law Facilitator can catch errors in timeshare percentages, income figures, add-on expenses, and service requirements before the clerk rejects the filing or a hearing goes sideways.
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How Do You Serve the Other Parent?
After filing, the other parent must be properly served with the papers and a hearing date (when required). Service rules are strict. Improper service can delay your hearing even if the forms are perfect.
What If Custody Is Also Disputed?
Support and custody often travel together because guideline support uses timeshare and income. If parenting time is contested, expect the court to address temporary custody alongside support. More on parenting time is on our child custody page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-custodial parent or guardian open a child support case?
Yes. Either parent – and in some situations a guardian caring for the child – can seek establishment or modification of support through the court or DCSS, depending on the facts.
Is a divorce required to get child support in California?
No. Unmarried parents can seek support through parentage and custody/support petitions or through DCSS without filing for divorce.
What if I already have a divorce case open?
File your Request for Order in the same case and courthouse. Do not start a duplicate case unless counsel advises a specific reason to do so.
Does filing with DCSS replace going to court?
Not always. DCSS can establish and enforce support, but contested issues – especially complex income or custody disputes – may still require Superior Court hearings.
How soon should I file?
Generally as soon as you need support. California support typically starts when a case and formal request are properly filed – waiting can mean months of unrecoverable expenses.
