Legal - The Court Process

For new child or medical support orders, Child Support Services will get a court order. We may also ask the court to modify existing orders, either to increase or decrease child support. The flowchart below shows how the court process works.

The courts use guidelines established by state law to set the amount of child support. The guideline takes into account how much money each parent earns and the amount of time each cares for the child.

Note: The noncustodial parent must fill out and file the Answer within 30 days after receiving a Summons and Complaint. A parent served a Summons and Complaint should call or visit the county Department of Child Support Services or Family Law Facilitator about the case. See Contact Us for address and phone numbers.