Going to Court

1. Income information
   • Paystub for the past two months from your job, unemployment, disability, workers' compensation, etc. *please black out your social security number
   • A copy of your last tax return
   • A current profit & loss statement if you're self-employed
   • Last 12 months bank statements for all accounts (personal and business)
2. Copies of court documents
   • Notice(s) of Motion, Request for Order, or other pleading documents
   • Responsive Declaration(s)
   • Income & Expense Declaration(s)
   • Seek Work Logs
3. Your child support record of payment, audit, or other accounting, if available
4. Copies of any document you want to present to the court as evidence, such as
   • Childcare receipts
   • Medical bills
   • Log of visitation time with child(ren)

• The courtroom is public so anyone, except children, may attend virtually.
• Only you or your attorney may address the court during the hearing. Let the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) attorney know if you have a witness you want to testify.
• Minors (children under 18 years of age) are not allowed in the courtroom or on Zoom.

The courthouse has reopened for most regular business, including hearings. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the courts website listed below. You may drop off any documents requiring filing at the drop box in the Self-Help Center as indicated below:

• DCSS and the court both use a computer program called Guideline Calculator to calculate appropriate child support payments, based on factors including gross income (before taxes), tax filing status, visitation, child care costs, health insurance costs, union dues, etc.
• You can also use the Guideline Calculator to get an estimate of what amount of support may be ordered.

Even though the DCSS attorney doesn't represent you or the other party, they will present the case and the reason for the hearing and explain where the two parties agree and disagree. You'll have a chance to address the court and explain your position.

In general, hearings will take place virtually by Zoom, which includes video and/or audio only services. If you reside in a country where the Zoom program is not available, please contact the court to make alternate arrangements to attend your hearing by telephone.

• There are very few reasons that qualify to change your court date, and there are no guarantees that your request will be granted.
• The court can proceed with the hearing, even if you're not there.
• You should make every effort to be available on the date scheduled.

If you have questions following your hearing, the following methods of assistance are available to you:

• The Self-Help Center (Santa Cruz) and the Self-Help Center (San Benito) are departments that work for the courts and provide limited free legal assistance. Please visit the webpage of the Self-Help center for availability and to utilize this service.
• Contact DCSS to discuss your order. You may contact your caseworker by phone at (866) 901-3212 or You may also contact our office by leaving us a message on Customer Connect, California's self-service child support information system.