Enroll in Child Support Services

Need to know

Either parent, or a legal guardian, can enroll in services whether or not a child support court order exists.
If you already have a court order, Child Support Services offers neutral assistance with every part of the process, keeps records, and helps both parties stay on track.
If you do not have an order, enrolling in services means your local child support agency will help you locate the other parent, establish legal paternity/parentage if required, get a court order and see that it is enforced in every state and many foreign countries.

Cost for services

The Department of Child Support Services may assess a $35 Annual Service Fee for each case that has never received public assistance. This fee will be assessed every year on October 1^st for each case in which at least $550 has been disbursed to the family in the prior Federal Fiscal Year (October 1 – September 30). The fee will be automatically deducted from the next payment(s) issued to the custodial party after October 1 until the fee has been recovered in full.

Before you start

Before you start: Gather any information you may have regarding the paying parent (i.e. legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, etc.) and any child support orders if already established.

What to do

You have two options to apply:

Complete an online application at the state Child Support Services website. You will need to provide basic information about yourself, the other parent, and any court order history. The application may take you 30-45 minutes to complete.
Schedule an appointment to apply in person. Call us at (866) 901-3212 to schedule your appointment. Our offices are located at:

88 Rowland Way
Novato, CA 94945

Our office is open from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday (except County holidays).

What's next

What's next content

Some cases may take longer than others to process. Sometimes, we may need to contact you for more information. It's important that you respond promptly to all requests for information, since pending court actions often have strict deadlines. We'll also keep you updated about any major developments in your child support case. We'll send you copies of any pleadings filed on your behalf and any important correspondence with the noncustodial parent or attorney.

It's also important for you to keep us updated about any major changes. You'll need to tell us if you make a support agreement with the noncustodial parent or receive any legal documents related to your case. We'll need to know if:

Your child stops living at your house or goes to live at the noncustodial parent's house
Your child gets married
Your child quits school or graduates
Your child joins the military

You should also tell us about any changes to your personal details, like your home or work address, or phone number.

Sometimes, you may have to appear in court and testify. If so, you'll get help from a Child Support Attorney who can explain the court proceedings to you. However, cases that are set for trial are sometimes settled before going to court. If that happens, you won't need to testify.

Make a child support payment
You can make a payment with a credit card, an electronic funds transfer, or by mail.