How the Department of Child Support Services Handles Confidential Information

By law ( Family Code Section 17212 ), the records kept by our office are strictly confidential and may not be seen without a court order.  However, you are entitled to see:

• Any document you provided to the Department of Child Support Services.
• Your payment history.
• Any record legally defined as a public record.

It is important to understand that the Department of Child Support Services does not represent either party or the child (ren) in a child support case. 

We cannot:     

• Assist with visitation and custody issues
• Obtain divorce decrees or represent either party in a divorce action
• Establish or modify spousal support orders
• Obtain or enforce restraining orders

Rather, our staff attorneys review cases to determine what legal action is necessary to establish and enforce a child support order.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you need assistance in completing legal forms, you should contact the Butte County Family Law Facilitator or a private attorney. 

To access California Courts Online Self-Help Center click on the following link: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/