• Monthly income of both parents
  • Wages
  • Tips
  • Commissions
  • Bonuses
  • Self employment earnings
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Disability
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • Interest
  • Dividends
  • Rental income
  • Social security
  • Pensions
  • Other sources – i.e. lottery / prize winnings
• Support payments (child support or spousal support) received from other relationships
• Visitation
• Number of biological children living in each parent’s home
• Child support or spousal support payments paid to people not related to the current case
• Costs of health insurance
• Mandatory retirement contributions
• Mandatory union dues
• Child care expenses

To make sure the court has all the necessary information, please make sure you bring:

• Tax returns for the past three years – if self employed, bring Schedule ‘C’ plus current profit and loss statement
• Last 3 pay stubs
• Cancelled checks for any child or spousal support for any other relationship
• Proof of payment of health insurance premium
• If self employed, the last twelve months of bank account statements – savings and checking (both personal and business)
• If you own a home, a copy of your most recent mortgage statement and property tax bill
• Name, address, and telephone number of your employer
• Divorce decree or separation agreement, if relevant
• Documentation of visitation / custody with each parent
• Your Social Security Number
• Your current home address and telephone number
• Child care receipts

Why are these papers / documents needed?

To determine the correct amount of support for your child(ren), the Court needs your current financial status.  Therefore, please make sure you have all of the above-mentioned papers / documents you feel will be important to your case.

What To Expect In Court

Before your court hearing:

• Park in visitor parking – NOTE: validation is not provided
• Please do not bring small children; if it is necessary, please see the Sheriff’s Special Officer upon entry to the building for child care arrangements
• Do not bring sharp objects – there is a security entrance
• Camera phones are not allowed
• Arrive early – NOTE: if your court hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., arrive no later than 10:30 a.m.
• Check in on the 5^th Floor at the table outside of Dept. L-51
• No food, drink, or gum allowed
• Dress nicely:
  • DO NOT WEAR:
    • Shorts
    • Flip flops
    • Ripped shirts or pants
    • T-shirts
    • Baseball hats
    • Revealing clothing
    • Tank tops
  • SUGGESTED DRESS CODE:
    • Non-ripped jeans or pants
    • Collared shirts – polo shirts, button-up shirts, etc.
    • Skirts / dresses of appropriate length
• You will have the opportunity to meet with a Child Support Officer to discuss your case

During the hearing:

• Check in with the bailiff when you first enter the courtroom
• Turn off all electrical devices – i.e. cell phones, pagers, wristwatches with alarms, etc.
• Notify the bailiff if you need an interpreter
• Have all your papers ready for when you are called
• Do not speak while in the courtroom while court is in session
• Do not speak to the Commissioner until s/he addresses you

• If you are appearing telephonically:
  • Call from a land line, NOT from a cellular or other mobile phone or device
  • Call at the assigned time (review your paperwork for the specific information)
  • Do not speak over the Commissioner or other parties
  • Have something to take notes with (pen and paper), so you may respond or inquire when the Commissioner provides you the opportunity

Following the hearing:

• You will be mailed a copy of the child support order.
• If you are ordered to pay child support and are not paying by wage assignment, send payments directly to: State Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 989067, West Sacramento, CA  95798, NOT to the custodial parent.
  • Make sure your case number is written on the payment
  • Billing statements are mailed out each month
  • Please make sure your correct address is on file with DCSS before leaving the courthouse