California Child Support Resources: Every Agency and Organization That Can Help

California Child Support Recovery System | Justice Foundation

You don’t have to navigate California’s child support enforcement system alone. Beyond the Justice Foundation kit, a network of agencies, organizations, and free resources exists to help custodial parents recover what their children are owed. This post consolidates the most useful resources into a single reference.

California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)

Your county child support agency is the primary free enforcement resource. Find your local agency at childsupport.ca.gov. Services include income withholding, tax intercept, license suspension, passport denial, credit bureau reporting, and FPLS location services — all at no cost for custodial parents. Open a case if you haven’t, and maintain active engagement with your caseworker.

California Courts Self-Help Center

The California Courts website at courts.ca.gov provides free family law forms, instructions, and the self-help center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov. The self-help section includes forms for Request for Order (modification), Order of Examination (debtor’s exam), and abstracts of judgment. Many courthouses also have physical self-help centers staffed by facilitators who can answer procedural questions.

Legal Aid Organizations

Income-qualified custodial parents can access free legal representation through California’s legal aid network: Bay Area Legal Aid, Inland Counties Legal Services, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Bet Tzedek Legal Services (Los Angeles), and others serving every region. Find your local organization at lawhelpca.org.

California State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

For non-income-qualified parents who need an attorney, the State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at calltheBar.com (1-800-843-9053) provides referrals to attorneys in your area who practice family law. Initial consultations are available at modest fees.

Federal Resources

The federal Office of Child Support Enforcement at acf.hhs.gov/css provides information on federal enforcement programs. USAGov.gov has a child support enforcement portal. The Justice Foundation kit integrates all of these resources into a single enforcement system with clear guidance on when and how to use each one.