The California Courts: Self Help Center has a section on it’s website about getting your first support order in California for different scenarios, like child or spousal support.

California Child Support Orders
Whether or not you are married or involved in a domestic partnership (as defined by California Law) will determine what type of case you will start with the courts. The only individuals who can start a child support case are:

• The mother
• The father
• The local child support agency (formerly the district attorney)

You can file for child support if you are filing for California divorce, legal separation, or for custody and support orders.

In instances where the parents of the child are not married or in a domestic partnership, they can ask for child support when an order for one of the following is filed:

• Paternity Case
• Domestic Violence Restraining Order
• Petition For Child Custody And Support Of Minor Children
• Spousal Support Orders

For those involved in a marriage, support can be requested by either spouse when one of the following orders is filed with the court:

• a divorce case (in either a “dissolution of domestic partnership”),
• a legal separation case, or
• a Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) case.

You can get temporary orders for spousal support in California while you are waiting for the final judgment in your case.

The laws and processes involved in receiving or altering child support or spousal support orders can be exceedingly complicated. It is always advisable to retain the services of an experienced California family law attorney to help navigate you through the family court minefield.

Our attorneys have handled hundreds of divorces, spousal support, child support and custody cases at Wallin & Klarich. We know parents in a child support case have a difficult job to do, balancing their personal and financial needs with the best interests of their children. We’re dedicated to helping smooth this transition for our clients and seeking the best possible outcome for your child support dispute. For a consultation with an experienced California family law attorney, call us at 1-888-749-7428 or fill out the online consultation form to the right.