Legal - Before You Go To Court

Under California law, both parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children.

How Guideline Child Support Is Determined

The Courts use a standard mathematical formula, established by California law. The formula takes into account:

• Monthly income of both parents including:

• Support payments (child or spousal support) received from other relationships
• Actual Visitation
• Number of biological children living in each parent's home
• Child or spousal support payments paid to people not related to the current case
• Cost of health insurance
• Mandatory retirement contributions and union dues
• Child care expenses

Note: If you fail to provide these documents, it may result in your hearing being continued to another date.

Why are these papers / documents needed?
To determine the correct amount of support for your child(ren), the Court needs your current financial status. Therefore, please make sure you have all of the above-mentioned papers / documents you feel will be important to your case.

What To Expect In Court

Before your court hearing:

• Park in visitor parking – NOTE: validation is not provided
• Please do not bring small children; if it is necessary, please see the Sheriff’s Officer upon entry to the building for child care arrangements
• Do not bring sharp objects – there is a security entrance
• Cameras or phones with cameras are not allowed
• Arrive early – NOTE: if your court hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., arrive no later than 10:30 a.m.
• Check in on the 5^th Floor at the table outside of Dept. L-51
• No food, drink, or gum allowed
• Dress nicely:
  • DO NOT WEAR:
    • Shorts
    • Flip flops
    • Ripped shirts or pants
    • T-shirts
    • Baseball hats
    • Revealing clothing
    • Tank tops
  • SUGGESTED DRESS CODE:
    • Collared shirts – polo shirts, button-up shirts, etc.
    • Skirts / dresses of appropriate length

During the hearing:

• Check in with the bailiff when you first enter the courtroom
• Turn off all electrical devices – i.e. cell phones, pagers, wristwatches with alarms, etc.
• Notify the bailiff if you need an interpreter
• Have all your papers ready for when you are called
• Do not speak while in the courtroom while court is in session
• Do not speak to the Commissioner until s/he addresses you

IF YOU ARE APPEARING TELEPHONICALLY:

YOU MUST MAIL THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS 20 DAYS BEFORE YOUR HEARING:

1. A copy of your Income and Expense Declaration
2. Copies of your 3 most recent paycheck stubs
3. If self employed, a copy of your most recent Federal Tax Return
(Including all schedules and profit & loss statement).
4. Visitation information and proof of childcare expenses

Mail your documents to:
Orange County CSS
P.O. Box 22099
Santa Ana, CA. 92701

Note: If you fail to provide these documents, it may result in your hearing being continued to another date.

Your call must be on a land line telephone. Cell phone calls are not permitted. You may be required to accept a collect call from the Court.

• The court requests the following:
  a)That you be in a room alone when calling
  b) Eliminate all background noise
  c) Speaker phones are not allowed
• Call at the assigned time (review your paperwork for the specific information)
• Do not speak over the Commissioner or other parties
• Have something to take notes with (pen and paper), so you may respond or inquire when the Commissioner provides you the opportunity

Following the Hearing:

• You will be mailed a copy of the child support order.
• If you are ordered to pay child support and are not paying by wage assignment, do not send payments directly to the custodial parent. Mail payments directly to:
  
  State Disbursement Unit (SDU)
  P.O. Box 989067
  West Sacramento, CA. 95798
  
  • Checks are payable to, SDU (write your case number on check)
  • Billing statements are mailed out each month
  • Please make sure your correct address is on file with DCSS before leaving the courthouse
  • Credit Card payments can be made through the SDU website at: www.casdu.com or by calling 1-866-325-1010. You will need your participant ID, social security number, and SDU PIN.

Important Information

We can help you change your child support payment. In the event you experience a major life change such as: losing your job, becoming disabled, or there is a major change in the amount of time your children are with you, CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.