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Noncustodial Parent FAQs

  • Q: How will my employer know how much money to take out of my paycheck to pay my child support?
    • After the court decides the amount of child support, a wage assignment is mailed to your employer with instructions on how much to deduct and where to send the payment.
  • Q: Is there any way to avoid having to go to court?
    • Yes. You can avoid going to court by signing a legal agreement (stipulation). The noncustodial parent and the local child support agency can agree (stipulate) on the amount of child support if the custodial party is receiving welfare benefits. If neither parent is receiving welfare benefits, then both parents may sign a legal agreement (stipulation) that establishes paternity and makes a formal arrangement to make child support payments.
  • Q: What else is in a stipulation?
    • The stipulation contains the agreement that the noncustodial parent:
      • Is the parent of the child.
      • Is willing to pay child support.
      • Is willing to provide health insurance for the child if it is available through the parent’s employer.
      • Is willing to allow the court to enter an order without appearing in court.
      • Has group health insurance available at work.
  • Q: How long do I have to pay child support?
    • Child support generally continues until the minor child emancipates or until otherwise noted in the child support order. Under California law, a parent’s obligation to pay support continues until the child becomes 18 years old. However, the current support obligation may continue until the child is 19, if the child is unmarried and attending high school full time. A court may order current child support to continue after the child emancipates because of special circumstances.

      If there are arrears (past due support) owed on the child support case, the local child support agency may continue to enforce collection of the arrears until the case is paid in full, including any interest that may have built up. Click here: PUB 247: Information for the Noncustodial Parent
  • Q: What is the CSWN?
    • The CSWN is a Child Support Warning Notice that the Department of Child Support Services sends annually to all noncustodial parents who have an arrears balance. The CSWN provides information regarding the arrears balance and some of the various avenues that are available to assist in collecting the child support arrears. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the local child support agency.
  • Q: What if either parent loses a job or is earning more money? Will child support automatically be changed?
    • No. A child support order can only be changed by a new order or a stipulation approved by the court.

      Either parent may request a review of the child support case if there is a change in circumstances. Support orders may be changed if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as, an increase or decrease in either parent’s earnings, a change in custody, or a change in the amount of time the child spends with each parent. Click here: PUB 252: Changing Your Child Support Amount
  • Q: How can I get payment information?
    • A noncustodial parent can contact his or her local child support agency to check on payments.  If you do not have an open case with an LCSA, you can call the State at 1-866-901-3212.  You will need a participant ID or Social Security number. 
  • Q: Who can I talk to about my bank levy?
    • The Department of Child Support Services Full Collections program can answer your questions. You can reach them at 1-866-904-7674.
  • Q: My passport has a hold on it. How can I get a release?
    • Federal law requires that a noncustodial parent who has arrears (past-due) child support in excess of $2,500 shall not be issued a passport, except for direct return to the United States. In California, you must pay the arrears/past due child support in full to get your passport released. Contact your local child support agency to make arrangements to pay off your child support arrears and to have your passport released.
  • Q: My driver's license has been suspended due to child support.  How can I get a release?
    • To get a release of your driver's license, you must contact the local child support agency handling your child support case.  They can assist you in making arrangements to obtain a release.
  • Q: Why is the Employment Development Department deducting money from my unemployment or state disability benefit payment?
    • A local child support agency has requested that a percentage of your benefit payment be withheld to satisfy a child support arrearage or delinquent current child support that is greater than $150.