How to Enforce a Child Support Order from Another State

Custodial parents who move to California while holding a child support order from another state can register that order here and enforce it through California’s courts and DCSS. The process is straightforward and the enforcement tools are the same as for California orders.

Registering an Out-of-State Order

To register an out-of-state order in California, file a Request to Register Out-of-State Support Order (FL-570) with the superior court in your county. Attach a certified copy of the order. Once registered, the California order has the same force as any other California order and all enforcement mechanisms — income withholding, bank levy, license suspension — become available.

Registration does not mean modification. Registering an out-of-state order in California allows enforcement here — it does not change the amount. To modify the order, a separate proceeding is required, and the state with continuing jurisdiction must agree to transfer it. Many custodial parents register first, enforce second, and worry about modification only if circumstances change.

The California Child Support Recovery System gives custodial parents the exact tools, templates, and step-by-step guidance to enforce support orders, calculate arrears, and use every enforcement mechanism available — without paying an attorney to get started. Request your free evaluation here.