About Us

Making a difference in the lives of children by providing exceptional child support services to families. 

Vision Statement

Every Child, Every Time 

What We Do for You

The El Dorado County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) provides services to all parents. To enroll in services, begin here: Enroll Now

DCSS will take the following steps to provide services and collect support: (I would like spaces in between like the current page has)

  • Enroll in child support services– Either a parent or guardian may open a child support case by enrolling for services.
  • Locate the parent – Once a case is opened, DCSS will contact the Parent Ordered to Pay Support (PPS). To make contact, we will need to know the parents phone number, email and home address. If you are unsure of that information, DCSS will attempt to locate the parent through different programs available.
  • Establish Parentage – Parentage is established via marriage or court order. If parentage has not been established, DCSS will attempt to establish parentage via a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage (VDOP) or Court-ordered genetic testing.
  • Establish a Support Order – If parents do not have a court order for child support, DCSS will establish one. The child support order will be based on both parent’s income, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and the financial needs of the child. DCSS will include an order for the parents to provide health insurance for the child.
  • Enforcement//Collection Tools – Once the child support order is established, most child support payments are made by Income Withholding Orders (IWO) from the PPS employer. For parents who are self-employed, they can make child support payments directly to the California State Disbursement Unit. All payments are processed through the State Disbursement Unit within 2 business days of receipt. To access their payments quickly, Parents Receiving Support (PRS) are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit or Electronic Payment Cards (which works like debit cards).
  • Modification of the Child Support Order– The child support order can be changed as life changes. When your job,  visitation, or living situation changes, call your case manager to discuss if a modification is needed. They will review the case with you and discuss next steps.

 

DCSS does not:

  • Handle custody or visitation matters
  • Handle divorces
  • Obtain or enforce restraining orders
  • Establish spousal support orders

 

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