Either parent, or the caretaker/guardian of a child may open a child support case by completing an application. The Department of Child Support Services will also open a case for any individual receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and/or Medi-Cal who has been referred by the county Welfare Department.

When you request or are referred for child support services, you will be asked to provide information and/or documents to help establish paternity, to locate the non-custodial parent, and/or get support payments for the child(ren). The Department of Child Support Services needs as much information as possible about the applicant, the other parent and the child(ren). The more information you know and provide to the Department of Child Support Services, the better service we can provide in collecting child support for you. The following is a guideline on the type of information that the Department of Child Support Services will request to have provided:

• Full name, address, and phone number
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Name, address, and phone number of employer or former employer
• Paycheck stubs
• Tax returns for the last two years, including W-2 forms and 1099 forms
• Existing child support orders
• Marriage license
• Divorce order or separation agreement

• Each child's full name, address and phone number
• Each child's date of birth and a copy of their birth certificate
• Each child's Social Security Number

• Full name, address and phone number
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Name, address, and phone number of employer or last employer, union, or self-employment information
• A recent photograph or physical description
• The name and phone numbers of family and/or friends
• Information about past involvement with the child(ren)
• The names of any clubs or organizations they are involved with
• Information about valuables, such as cars, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, or other property
• Copies of paycheck stubs, bank statements for checking, savings, or other accounts
• Tax returns for the last two years, including W-2 forms and 1099 forms