The California FL 600 form is a legal document used by the local child support agency to initiate a lawsuit regarding parental obligations. This form outlines the responsibilities of parents in relation to child support and establishes the legal relationship between parents and their children. If you need to address child support issues, consider filling out the FL 600 form by clicking the button below.
The California FL 600 form is a critical legal document used in child support cases. It serves as a summons and complaint regarding parental obligations, initiated by the local child support agency. This form outlines the relationship between the parents and the children involved, establishing the need for child support payments. It also details the rights and responsibilities of the parties, emphasizing the importance of filing an answer within 30 days if there are disagreements with the proposed judgment. Failure to respond can lead to automatic judgments that may obligate one parent to pay child support without further input. The form includes sections for identifying the parents, the children, and any previous judgments related to parentage. It also addresses potential public assistance received by the children, which can influence the support amount determined by the court. Additionally, the FL 600 form informs both parents of their rights to legal representation and the processes available for settling disputes, including the option to work out agreements with the child support agency. Overall, this form plays a vital role in ensuring that parental responsibilities are clearly defined and legally enforced.
FL-600
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY (under Fam. Code, §§ 17400 and 17406):
FOR COURT USE ONLY
TELEPHONE NO.:
FAX NO.:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
ATTORNEY FOR (Name):
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF
STREET ADDRESS:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CITY AND ZIP CODE:
BRANCH NAME:
PETITIONER/PLAINTIFF:
RESPONDENT/DEFENDANT:
OTHER PARENT:
SUMMONS AND
COMPLAINT
SUPPLEMENTAL COMPLAINT CASE NUMBER:
AMENDED COMPLAINT REGARDING PARENTAL OBLIGATIONS
TO (name):
The local child support agency has filed this lawsuit against you. This lawsuit says you and the other parent are the parents of each child named in this Complaint and that the obligor may be required to pay child support. The attached proposed Judgment Regarding Parental Obligations (form FL-630) names you and the other parent as parents of each child listed below and, if there is an amount stated in item 6 of the proposed Judgment, orders the obligor to pay support for these children. If you disagree with the proposed Judgment, you must file the attached Answer (form FL-610) form with the court clerk within 30 days of the date that you were served with this Complaint. If you do not file an Answer, the proposed Judgment will become a final determination that you are the parent and responsible for support. If you are required to pay child support, the payments may be taken from your pay or other property without further notice. See the attached statement of your rights and responsibilities for more information.
La agencia local que vigila la manutención de menores ha registrado la presente demanda contra usted. Esta demanda dice que usted y el otro padre son los padres de los hijos nombrados aqui y que el obligado deberá pagar manutención de menores. El propuesto FALLO RESPECTO A OBLIGACIONES PATERNAS (Gubernamental) (formulario FL-630) los nombra a usted y al otro padre como padres de cada uno de los hijos que figuran a continuación y, si se incluye una suma en el inciso 6, obliga al obligado a pagar manutención por estos hijos. Si no está de acuerdo con el FALLO propuesto, deberá registrar el formulario de RESPUESTA que se adjunta, presentándolo al actuario del tribunal dentro de 30 días después de haber recibido notificación de esta DEMANDA. Si usted no registra una RESPUESTA, el FALLO propuesto tomará efecto con una determinación final de paternidad. Si se le está exigiendo que pague manutención de menores, los pagos podrán ser deducidos de su salario o de otras pertenencias suyas sin necesidad de mandarle ninguna otra notificación. Para mayor información, vea la declaración anexa respecto a los derechos y responsabilidades que tiene.
1. The local child support agency is asking the court to issue judgment or orders for the following children:
Date of
Establish
Modify
Beginning
Name
Birth
Parentage
Support
Order
Date
Additional children are listed on a page (labeled Attachment 1) attached to this Complaint.
Notice to person served: You are served
1.
2.
as an individual defendant/respondent. on behalf of a minor child or children.
3.
Date:
other (specify):
Clerk, by
, Deputy
Page 1 of 6
Form Adopted for Mandatory Use
SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT OR SUPPLEMENTAL
Family Code, §§ 2330.1, 17400,
Judicial Council of California
17402, 17404, 17428, 17430
COMPLAINT REGARDING PARENTAL OBLIGATIONS
FL-600 [Rev. January 1, 2020]
www.courts.ca.gov
(Governmental)
CASE NUMBER:
2.a. The parents of the children named in item 1 are (specify name): (specify name):
b.
(Specify name):
is named as the parent of the children listed in item 1 in the declaration
of parentage on file with the
local child support agency or the
county welfare department.
c. The obligor (the parent asked to pay support) is (specify):
3.Complete the following section if support is being requested but the "Establish Parentage" box has not been checked in item 1. Please specify each child. You do not need to complete this section if a final judgment of parentage was previously entered under this case number.
a.
A voluntary declaration of parentage or paternity that has not been canceled and was signed by both parents has been forwarded to the California Department of Child Support Services for the following children (specify):
The following are named as children of the marriage in a family law judgment in (specify county and state)
in case number (specify)
for the following children (specify):
c.
Judgment of parentage has previously been entered in (specify county and state)
d.
Other (specify):
(Names of children):
SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT OR SUPPLEMENTAL COMPLAINT REGARDING PARENTAL OBLIGATIONS
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4.a.
Some or all of the children named in item 1 are receiving or have received public assistance from the following counties
(specify):
Date public assistance first paid:
5.Other (specify):
THE LOCAL CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY REQUESTS THAT:
6.
7.
The court determine that the persons listed in item 2 are the parents of the children listed in item 1 for whom the "Establish Parentage" boxes have been checked.
Based on the California support guideline, the court order the obligor to pay:
$
current monthly child support based on the obligor's known income of $
per month, and, if applicable, the obligee's known income of $
per month.
e.
8.
current monthly child support based on the obligor's presumed income, as provided by law.
additional monthly child support for the following reasons (specify):
The court issue appropriate orders for sharing the costs of child care and/or uninsured health care (specify):
The court order the obligor to provide health insurance for each child named in item 1, if available at no or reasonable cost; to keep the local child support agency informed of the availability of the coverage; to complete and return, within 20 days of the local child support agency's request, a health insurance form and that a National Medical Support Notice be issued. If health insurance is not available at no or reasonable cost, that the court orders obligor to provide coverage when it becomes available. NOTICE: The obligor's employer or other person providing health insurance will be ordered to enroll the children in an appropriate health insurance plan if the obligor is found to be the parent.
9.A wage and earnings assignment be issued.
10.The court order the parents to advise the local child support agency within 10 days in writing of any change in residence or employment.
11.The court order the obligor to make all payments to (specify):
12.
The other parent be added as a party to this case.
13. Number of pages attached:
NOTICE
•Child support: The court will make orders for the support of the children upon request and submission of financial forms by the requesting party.
•If you want legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately.
•A Statement of Rights and Responsibilities is attached to this document. Please read it carefully.
(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)
(ATTORNEY FOR LOCAL CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY)
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Hearing by Court Commissioner
This case may be referred to a court commissioner for hearing. By law, court commissioners do not have the authority to issue final orders and judgments in contested cases unless they are acting as temporary judges. The court commissioner in your case will act as a temporary judge unless, before the hearing, you or any other party objects to the commissioner acting as a temporary judge. You can object to the commissioner acting as a temporary judge in one of two ways: (1) by telling the commissioner in court, at the start of your hearing, that you object or (2) by delivering a written objection to the court clerk. You must object before the hearing in your case begins. You do not have to give a reason for your objection. The court commissioner may still hear your case to make findings and a recommended order. If you do not like the recommended order, you must object to it within 10 court days in writing (use Notice of Objection (form FL-666); otherwise, the recommended order will become a final order of the court). If you object to the recommended order, a judge will make a temporary order and set a new hearing.
Family Law Facilitator
Each superior court has a family law facilitator's office to provide education, information, and assistance to parents who have child support issues. The basic duties of the family law facilitator include:
Providing educational materials;
Distributing court forms;
Providing assistance in completing forms;
Preparing child support guideline calculations; and
Providing referrals to the local child support agency, family court services, and other community agencies.
The family law facilitator is a neutral person whose services are available to any person who is NOT represented by an attorney. Both parties in the same case may receive assistance from the family law facilitator. There is no attorney-client privilege between the family law facilitator and any person assisted by the family law facilitator, and matters discussed with the family law facilitator are not confidential. No person can be represented by the family law facilitator.
STATEMENT OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
NOTICE to the defendant/respondent: The proposed Judgment Regarding Parental Obligations will be entered against you unless you file your written Answer to Complaint or Supplemental Complaint Regarding Parental Obligations (form FL-610) with the court clerk within 30 days of the date you were served with the Complaint.
The proposed Judgment will be entered whether or not you have a lawyer. If you were served with a form telling you the date of a court hearing, you should go to court on that date. An order may be entered without your input if you do not attend the hearing.
AVISO para el acusado: El FALLO propuesto entrará en efecto contra usted, a menos que dentro de 30 días desde cuando recibió notificación de la DEMANDA, usted registre por escrito una RESPUESTA A DEMANDA o DEMANDA SUPLEMENTAL RESPECTO A OBLIGACIONES PATERNAS (Gubernamental) (formulario 610). El FALLO propuesto entrará en efecto contra usted, tenga o no tenga usted un abogado. Si le dieron notificación con un formulario que especifica una fecha de audiencia, usted tiene que presentarse al tribunal en esa fecha. Si no asiste a la audiencia, una orden judicial podrá emitirse sin considerar su punto de vista.
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NOTICE TO BOTH PARENTS
The local child support agency has sued both of you to determine whether you are the parents of the children listed and if one or both of you should be ordered to pay child support. The local child support agency does not represent any individual in this lawsuit, including either parent or the children. Carefully read this statement and the other papers that you received.
You have the right to be represented by a lawyer. If you dispute that you are the parent of the children listed in the Complaint and you do not have enough money for a lawyer, you may ask the court to appoint a lawyer to represent you on the issue of parentage.
Other information about court-appointed lawyers (specify):
A blank Answer to Complaint or Supplemental Complaint Regarding Parental Obligations (form FL-610) is included in the papers that were served on you. If you did not receive an Answer form or if you would like another copy, you may get one from the local child support agency, the court clerk's office, or the family law facilitator. The family law facilitator can assist you in filling out the Answer form. You must file your Answer form with the court clerk within 30 days of the date you were served with the Complaint whether or not you obtain an attorney.
Settling Out of Court
You may contact the local child support agency to try to work out a settlement agreement. However, you must still file an Answer form within 30 days. If you and the local child support agency can reach an agreement regarding the requests made in the Complaint, you may sign a settlement agreement called a stipulation. By signing a stipulation, you are agreeing to give up your rights explained in this statement, you are agreeing that you are the parent of the children listed in the Complaint, and you are agreeing to obey all of the terms of the stipulation. The stipulation will become a court order that you must obey.
Going to Court
If you file your Answer form, you have the right to a court hearing, to subpoena witnesses, to ask questions of any witness against you, and to present evidence on your behalf. Genetic testing may be performed if the defendant questions parentage of the children listed in the Complaint. If the defendant refuses to cooperate in the genetic testing process, the issue of parentage may be resolved against the defendant. The costs of the genetic testing may be charged to one of you.
Earnings Assignment
All orders for support must contain an earnings assignment. If you are obligated to pay support, this assignment will require your employer or other payor to deduct support payments from your salary or earnings and send the payments to the local child support agency. Your employer may also be required to enroll your children in a health insurance plan and deduct the cost from your salary or earnings.
Any amounts you owe may be collected from your property, whether or not you are current in your payments toward past due support. Collection may be made by taking money owed to you by the state or federal government (such as tax refunds, unemployment and disability benefits, and lottery winnings), by taking property you own, by placing a lien on your property, or by any other lawful means. You may be fined or imprisoned if you fail to pay support as ordered.
If the local child support agency does not know how much money the obligor (parent asked to pay support) earns, the obligor is presumed to earn enough money to pay the amounts stated in item 6b of the proposed Judgment Regarding Parental Obligations (form FL-630).
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Other Important Information
Both parents should tell the local child support agency everything they know about the other parent's earnings and assets.
The defendant is always a party to this action. If the other parent has requested or is receiving services from the local child support agency, that parent will become a party to the lawsuit filed by the local child support agency after the initial support order or medical support order is entered by the court. After the other parent has become a party to the lawsuit, either parent may then ask the court to decide issues concerning support, custody, visitation, and restraining orders (domestic violence). No other issues may be raised in this lawsuit. Either parent may go to court to modify the court order. The local child support agency cannot bring proceedings to establish or modify custody, visitation, or restraining orders.
After the other parent has become a party to the lawsuit, either parent may go to court to enforce the existing order against the other, but must first notify the local child support agency as required by law. The local child support agency is allowed 30 days to determine whether or not a parent will be permitted to proceed with the enforcement action against the other parent. The local child support agency may deny a parent permission to proceed if it is currently taking enforcement action or if the action by a parent would interfere with an investigation. If the local child support agency does not respond to the notice by the parent seeking enforcement within 30 days or if the local child support agency notifies the parent seeking enforcement that the enforcement action can proceed, the parent may then file the enforcement action as long as all support is paid through the local child support agency.
If the custodial person receives public assistance, the local child support agency may agree to settle any parentage or support issue in this lawsuit without providing advance notice to the custodial person. A child support agency may not settle any child support issue without the consent of any parent who is an applicant for child support services and who does not receive public assistance.
The local child support agency is required, under section 466(a)(13) of the Social Security Act, to place in the records pertaining to child support the social security number of any individual who is subject to a divorce decree, support order, or parentage determination or acknowledgment. This information is mandatory and will be kept on file at the local child support agency.
Your family law facilitator is available to help you with any questions you may have about the above information. You can reach your family law facilitator by telephone at:
or in person at:
For more information on finding a lawyer or family law facilitator, see the California Courts Online Self-Help Center at www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.
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Filling out the California FL 600 form is a crucial step in responding to a child support complaint. Ensure that you have all necessary information at hand before you begin. Once completed, the form must be filed with the court clerk. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any delays in the process.
The California FL-600 form is a legal document used by local child support agencies to initiate a lawsuit regarding parental obligations. This form is filed in the Superior Court of California and serves to establish paternity and order child support for children named in the complaint. It outlines the responsibilities of the parents and informs them of their rights and obligations under California family law.
If you do not file a written answer to the FL-600 complaint within 30 days of being served, the proposed judgment will automatically become final. This means that you will be legally recognized as the parent responsible for child support payments, and those payments may be deducted from your wages or other property without further notice. It is crucial to respond promptly to protect your rights.
You can contest the claims by filing an Answer (form FL-610) with the court clerk. This must be done within 30 days of receiving the FL-600 form. If you believe you are not the parent of the children listed, you can also request genetic testing. It is advisable to seek legal counsel to navigate this process effectively and ensure your rights are upheld.
If you wish to settle out of court, you should contact the local child support agency to discuss the possibility of a settlement agreement. Even if you reach an agreement, you must still file an Answer form within the 30-day deadline. If a settlement is reached, it will be formalized in a stipulation, which becomes a court order that you must follow.
Failure to pay child support can lead to serious consequences. The court can enforce payment through wage garnishment, property liens, or even by intercepting government benefits such as tax refunds. Additionally, non-payment may result in fines or imprisonment. It is essential to stay compliant with any court-ordered payments to avoid these severe repercussions.
Incomplete Information: Many individuals forget to fill out all required sections of the FL-600 form. Missing names, dates, or other essential details can lead to delays or complications in the case.
Incorrect Parentage Claims: Some people mistakenly claim parentage without proper documentation. Ensure that any declarations of parentage are accurately referenced and attached to avoid disputes later.
Failure to File on Time: It is crucial to file the Answer form (FL-610) within 30 days of being served. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment, which may impose obligations without your input.
Ignoring Additional Requirements: The FL-600 form may require attachments or additional documents. Not including these can lead to rejection of the form or additional hearings, prolonging the process unnecessarily.
The California FL-600 form is a crucial document used in child support cases, particularly for establishing parental obligations. However, it is often accompanied by other forms that help facilitate the legal process. Each of these forms serves a specific purpose and is essential for ensuring that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities regarding child support.
Understanding these forms and their roles can significantly aid in navigating the complexities of child support cases in California. Each document is designed to protect the rights of all parties involved, ensuring that the best interests of the children are prioritized throughout the legal process.
The California FL-600 form is similar to the FL-610 form, which is the Answer to Complaint or Supplemental Complaint Regarding Parental Obligations. The FL-610 form allows a respondent to formally respond to the allegations made in the FL-600. If a person disagrees with the claims regarding parentage or child support, they must file the FL-610 within 30 days of being served. This response is crucial for the court to consider the respondent's perspective and any defenses they may have regarding their obligations.
Another related document is the FL-630 form, known as the Proposed Judgment Regarding Parental Obligations. This form is typically attached to the FL-600 and outlines the proposed child support obligations for the parent deemed responsible. The FL-630 details the amount of support required and establishes the legal framework for the court's order. If the respondent does not contest the proposed judgment by filing an answer, it may become a final order, solidifying their obligations.
The FL-660 form, which serves as a Request for Order, is also similar. This form is used when a party wants to modify existing child support orders or establish new ones. Like the FL-600, it initiates legal proceedings regarding parental obligations. It requires the petitioner to provide specific details about the changes they seek, thus allowing the court to assess the situation and make appropriate adjustments to support orders.
The FL-670 form, known as the Notice of Motion and Motion, is another related document. This form is used to formally request a court hearing regarding child support or other parental obligations. It allows a party to present their case to the court and seek a resolution. The FL-670 serves as a procedural step that complements the FL-600 by providing a structured way to address disputes over parental responsibilities.
The FL-680 form, titled the Income and Expense Declaration, is essential in determining child support amounts. This document requires both parties to disclose their financial situations, including income, expenses, and assets. The information provided on the FL-680 is crucial for the court to calculate appropriate support levels, making it a vital companion to the FL-600 form.
Similar to the FL-600, the FL-685 form is the Child Support Case Registry Form. This document is used to register child support cases with the state’s Child Support Services. It ensures that all relevant information about the case is available for enforcement and tracking purposes. Proper registration is necessary for the court to manage and monitor child support payments effectively.
Lastly, the FL-690 form, known as the Stipulation to Establish or Modify Child Support, is also related. This form allows both parents to agree on child support terms without going to court. By signing this stipulation, parents can create a legally binding agreement that outlines their responsibilities. This form serves as an alternative to litigation, promoting cooperation between parents while still addressing the needs of the children involved.
When filling out the California FL-600 form, it is essential to be thorough and accurate. Here are some important do's and don'ts to consider:
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your submission is processed smoothly and that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Misconception 1: The FL-600 form is only for parents who are in a legal battle over child support.
This form is not solely for contested cases. It can also be used when the local child support agency is determining parentage and support obligations. Even if both parents agree on support, the agency may still file this form to formalize the arrangements.
Misconception 2: Completing the FL-600 form guarantees that child support will be awarded.
Filing the FL-600 does not automatically result in a child support order. The court must review the details, including financial information, before making a decision. If the obligor does not respond, however, the proposed judgment may become final.
Misconception 3: You must have a lawyer to respond to the FL-600 form.
While legal representation can be beneficial, it is not required. Individuals can file an Answer on their own using the provided forms. Assistance is available through family law facilitators, who can help with the process.
Misconception 4: The FL-600 form only addresses financial support.
This form also covers other parental obligations, such as health insurance and childcare costs. The court can issue orders regarding these responsibilities as part of the child support determination.
Filling out and using the California FL-600 form is a critical step in addressing child support obligations. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
Understanding these points can help navigate the complexities of child support obligations effectively.