How do I file a court request to establish a child support order for the first time in California?

To file a court request for an initial child support order in California, you must open a family law case (or use an existing one) and formally serve the other parent with your request. Here is how to file a request for child support on your own. Step 1: Complete the Correct Forms If you do not have an existing family law case (like a divorce or parentage action), you must start one by filing a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship (Form FL-200). If you already have an open case, you will file a Request for Order (Form FL-300). In either situation, you must also complete an Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL-150), which details your finances. Step 2: Gather Financial Documents Collect your last two months of pay stubs, your most recent tax returns, and any documents proving other income. You will need these to support the information on your Income and Expense Declaration. The court uses this financial information to calculate support based on the statewide guideline formula. Step 3: File Your Forms with the Court Take your completed, signed forms to the superior court clerk's office in the county where the child lives. You will have to pay a first-appearance filing fee, or you can apply for a fee waiver if you have a low income by filing Form FW-001. The clerk will stamp your forms and give you a case number and a court date. Step 4: Serve the Other Parent You must have another adult over 18, who is not a party to the case, personally hand-deliver a copy of all the filed court forms to the other parent. This is called "personal service" and is a strict legal requirement. The person who serves the papers must then fill out and sign a Proof of Service form (like Form FL-330 or FL-115). Step 5: File Your Proof of Service File the original, signed Proof of Service with the court clerk before your hearing date. This proves to the judge that the other parent received legal notice of the request. The other parent typically has 30 days to file a response after being served. Important Details and Nuances You can also open a child support case for free through your county's Local Child Support Agency (LCSA). They will handle the legal process for you, but they do not represent you; they represent the public interest. Every court has a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that can provide free assistance with completing your forms. Warnings and Limitations Properly serving the other parent is critical; your case cannot move forward without it. Do not attempt to serve the papers yourself. Failure to follow service rules will result in your hearing being delayed or your request being denied. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, such as a parent living out of state or difficulty proving income, you should consult with a qualified California attorney.