Complaint Resolution

Requesting a Complaint Resolution

Either a custodial party or a non-custodial parent may file a Request for Complaint Resolution Form (PDF) over the handling of a child support case. For additional information, visit California DCSS Customer Service.

Complaint Resolution Issues

The County Department of Child Support Services will resolve complaints about:

  • Customer service
  • Decisions to close a child support case
  • Payment and billing issues
  • Timeliness of service

The County Department of Child Support Services cannot resolve complaints regarding actions taken by the court, such as the amount of a child support order, custody, visitation, or spousal support orders. Only the court can resolve these matters.

Important Complaint Resolution Dates

  • You must file your complaint within 90 days of the date you knew, or should have known, about the subject of your complaint.
  • You must request a State Hearing within 90 days of the date of the written decision of the County Department of Child Support Services on your complaint.
  • If the County Department of Child Support Services does not respond to your complaint in writing, you must request a State Hearing within 90 days from the date of your complaint to the county Department of Child Support Services

Complaint Resolution Process

The County Department of Child Support Services is required to respond to every complaint, in writing, within 30 days. If a complaint cannot be resolved within 30 days, the County Department of Child Support Services may extend the time for resolving a complaint up to a maximum of 30 additional days.

If the period for resolving a complaint is extended for any reason, the County Department of Child Support Services will mail a notice stating the reason for the extension.

Contact

For more information, call 866-901-3212.