What you can file to ask for a child support order

There are different types of cases and papers you can file to ask for a child support order or to change an order. Which type of case or papers you can file depends on your situation.

If you have a family law case

You can file a Request for Order in that case

If there's already a family law case in California involving the child, then you can file a Request for Order (form FL-300) to ask for a child support order. Common family law cases are divorces or parentage (paternity) cases. You may also have a case with the Local Child Support Agency (LCSA). 

If there is a case in a different State involving your child, you may need to file papers in that State to ask for child support orders. Talk to your court's Self-Help Center staff to find out your options or talk to a lawyer for advice.

If you and the other parent agree, you can also turn in a signed agreement for the judge to review and sign. If the LCSA is part of your case, they'll need to sign as well.

Get step-by-step instructions:

Request for  Order

 

Prepare an agreement

If you do not have a family law case

Go through the Local Child Support Agency or start a family law case yourself

You or the other parent must ask for a court order, either through the LCSA or by starting a court case yourself. Which one you choose depends on your situation.

If you go through the LCSA, they will start a court case for you. If needed, they can also set up genetic testing and get an order that says who a child's legal parent is (called parentage). This service is free.

If you need something in addition to child support, like a divorce or a custody and visitation order (parenting time), you will need to start a court case. The judge can also order child support in one of these cases.

Figure out what case you can file

    If you and the other person . . .  You can file a . . . 
    Are married or in a domestic partnership and want to divorce or legally separate Petition for divorce or legal separation
     Are married or in a domestic partnership and do not want to divorce or legally separate

    Petition for Custody and Support

    Are not married or in a domestic partnership and you are not both the child's legal parent Petition to Determine Parentage
    Are not married or in a domestic partnership, but are both the child's legal parent (for example, you both signed a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage or legally adopted the child)

    Petition for Custody and Support

    -or-

    Petition to Determine Parentage

    Have a child together and you need protection from the other parent Request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order
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