The California FL 600 form is a legal document used by local child support agencies to initiate a lawsuit regarding parental obligations. This form establishes the parentage of children and outlines potential child support requirements for the obligor. If you need to fill out this form, click the button below for assistance.
The California FL-600 form plays a crucial role in the realm of family law, particularly concerning child support and parental obligations. This document is initiated by local child support agencies to establish or modify child support orders, ensuring that the needs of children are met in accordance with state guidelines. It outlines the responsibilities of both parents regarding financial support for their children and includes critical information such as the names of the involved parties, the children for whom support is being sought, and any existing public assistance. The form also serves as a summons, notifying the respondent of the legal action and their obligation to respond within a specified timeframe. Should the respondent fail to file an answer, the proposed judgment regarding parental obligations could become final, resulting in automatic enforcement of child support payments. Furthermore, the FL-600 includes provisions for health insurance coverage, wage assignments, and the sharing of child-related expenses. Understanding this form is essential for parents navigating the complexities of child support, as it not only affects their financial responsibilities but also their rights within the legal system.
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
Page 2 of 6
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)
Page 3 of 6
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.
Page 4 of 6
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).
Page 5 of 6
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.
For your protection and privacy, please press the Clear
This Form button after you have printed the form.
Print this form
Save this form
Page 6 of 6
Clear this form
Filling out the California FL-600 form is an important step in addressing parental obligations. This form is used in cases involving child support and parental rights. Completing it accurately is crucial for ensuring that your rights and responsibilities are clearly defined.
After completing the form, it is essential to file it with the court clerk. You must also keep a copy for your records. If you disagree with any part of the proposed judgment, you will need to file an answer within 30 days. This ensures your voice is heard in the proceedings.
1. What is the purpose of the California FL-600 form?
The California FL-600 form is used by local child support agencies to initiate a lawsuit regarding parental obligations. It establishes the legal relationship between parents and their children and seeks to determine child support responsibilities. This form is crucial for ensuring that children receive the financial support they need from their parents.
2. Who is required to respond to the FL-600 form?
Both parents named in the FL-600 form must respond. If you are served with this form, you are identified as either the petitioner/plaintiff or the respondent/defendant. It is important to take action within the specified time frame to protect your rights.
3. What happens if I do not respond to the FL-600 form?
If you fail to file an Answer (using form FL-610) within 30 days of being served, the proposed judgment will automatically become final. This means you could be legally recognized as the parent responsible for paying child support without having a chance to present your side of the case.
4. How can I contest the proposed judgment?
To contest the proposed judgment, you must file the Answer form (FL-610) with the court clerk within 30 days of service. This will allow you to present your case in court. You also have the right to request a hearing, where you can provide evidence and challenge any claims made against you.
5. What if I disagree with the amount of child support proposed?
If you disagree with the amount of child support stated in the proposed judgment, you can address this in your Answer. During the court hearing, you can present evidence regarding your income and any other relevant financial information to support your case for a different amount.
6. Can I get help filling out the FL-600 form?
Yes, assistance is available. The family law facilitator's office at your local court can provide help with understanding and completing the FL-600 form. They can also offer guidance on child support calculations and related issues.
7. What rights do I have if I am served with the FL-600 form?
You have the right to be represented by an attorney, to contest parentage, and to request genetic testing if necessary. You also have the right to receive assistance from the family law facilitator if you do not have legal representation. Understanding your rights is essential in navigating this process.
8. What is the role of the local child support agency?
The local child support agency acts on behalf of the state to ensure that children receive the support they need. They do not represent either parent individually but instead work to establish paternity and enforce child support orders. Their involvement is intended to protect the interests of the children involved.
9. What should I do if I reach a settlement with the local child support agency?
If you reach a settlement, you can sign a stipulation agreement. This agreement will become a court order, and you must comply with its terms. However, even if you settle, you still need to file your Answer within the 30-day window to ensure your rights are protected.
10. What are the consequences of failing to pay child support?
Failure to pay child support can lead to serious consequences, including wage garnishment, property liens, and potential legal penalties. The court can take various actions to collect unpaid support, including seizing tax refunds and other government benefits. It's crucial to stay compliant with any court orders to avoid these outcomes.
When filling out the California FL-600 form, individuals often encounter several common pitfalls that can lead to complications in their child support case. One significant mistake is failing to provide accurate and complete information about the children involved. Each child’s name, date of birth, and parentage details must be meticulously filled out. Incomplete or incorrect information can delay proceedings and may result in legal challenges that complicate support obligations.
Another frequent error occurs when individuals neglect to check the appropriate boxes regarding parentage. This section is crucial as it determines the legal standing of each parent in relation to the children. If a parent mistakenly believes that parentage is already established and fails to check the “Establish Parentage” box, they may inadvertently waive their rights or responsibilities. Such oversights can have lasting implications on child support orders and legal recognition.
Additionally, some individuals overlook the importance of filing an Answer to the Complaint within the stipulated 30-day period. This form is essential for contesting the claims made in the FL-600. Failing to file an Answer can lead to a default judgment against the respondent, meaning that the court may automatically rule in favor of the local child support agency without hearing the respondent's side. This can result in unexpected financial obligations that may be difficult to contest later.
Lastly, many people underestimate the significance of providing detailed financial information. The FL-600 requires disclosure of income and other financial resources to determine appropriate child support amounts. Incomplete or inaccurate financial disclosures can lead to unfair support calculations, which may not reflect the true financial situation of the obligor. Consequently, this could result in either overpayment or underpayment of child support, causing further disputes down the line.
The California FL-600 form is commonly used in child support cases to establish parental obligations. It is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that facilitate the legal process. Understanding these related documents can help parties navigate their responsibilities and rights effectively.
Each of these forms plays a critical role in the child support process, providing necessary information and facilitating communication between the parties involved. Properly completing and submitting these documents can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
The California FL-600 form, which deals with child support and parental obligations, shares similarities with several other legal documents. Here’s a list of eight such documents, highlighting how each relates to the FL-600 form:
When filling out the California FL-600 form, there are several important steps to follow. Here is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:
Understanding the California FL-600 form can be challenging, and several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are some common misunderstandings:
Being aware of these misconceptions can help you navigate the process more effectively. If you have questions or concerns about your situation, seeking assistance from a qualified professional is always advisable.
Understanding the California FL-600 form is crucial for anyone involved in child support cases. Here are key takeaways to consider:
Each of these points highlights the importance of understanding the FL-600 form and its implications for parental obligations and child support. Engaging with the process proactively can help ensure that rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and upheld.