Remember!
Will I be able to visit my child after I am released?
Child custody and visitation orders are handled by the courts. If visitation is a problem, some
Family Law Facilitators can refer you to someone who can help you. The Family Law Facilitator
provides free legal assistance for child support issues or you can hire a private attorney.
How much interest is charged when I don’t pay?
California’s interest rate is 10% per year and is charged monthly to your balance of
unpaid child support.
Should I contact the local child support agency handling my
case when I am released?
Yes. You must let the local child support agency handling your case know of any
address, employment and income changes.
Child Support
Information
for the
Parent in
Jail or Prison
COUNTY
Department of
Child Support Services
• Your child support order continues
while you are in jail or prison, unless a
court changes it. Contact the local
child support agency handling your
case immediately if you are in jail or
prison.
• Changes in your child support order
are not automatic and do not go back
to the date your income changed, so
you need to act quickly.
•
Interest is added to the child support
you have not paid.
Contact your local child support
agency today.
It could save you money.
The California Department of Child Support Services does not provide legal services to parents or guardians.
Supporting California's Children
What if I am served with child support papers while in jail or prison?
As soon as you get the papers, contact the local child support agency listed on the paperwork.
Contact can be made either by telephone or in writing. You only have 30 days from the date the
papers were served (given) to respond to the court if you disagree with the papers served on you.
If paternity (child’s father) has not been established and you don’t think you’re the father, free
testing can be done while you are in jail or prison. A blood test is not required and testing can be
done quickly and painlessly. The results will be mailed to you.
What is a