The DCSS 0053 form is a crucial document used by the California Department of Child Support Services to verify visitation between noncustodial parents and their children. This form helps track the actual visitation history over the past twelve months, ensuring that both parents are aware of and can confirm visitation arrangements. If you need to fill out this form, please click the button below to get started.
The DCSS 0053 form plays a crucial role in the California child support system by documenting visitation arrangements between noncustodial parents and their children. This form, officially titled "Visitation Verification," is designed to provide a clear record of the actual visitation that has occurred over the past year. It requires the individual completing the form—either the custodial party or the noncustodial parent—to detail the number of hours spent with the child each month. This information is not only essential for assessing compliance with court-ordered visitation but also helps to ensure that child support obligations are fairly determined. The form includes sections that differentiate between shared custody and visitation-only arrangements, allowing parents to specify regular, vacation, summer, and holiday visitation details. Furthermore, the form emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting, as the information may be shared with the other parent and could be subject to verification. By requiring signatures and declarations of truthfulness, the DCSS 0053 form aims to uphold accountability in family law matters.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
VISITATION VERIFICATION
DCSS 0053 (08/21/2016)
CSE Case Number:
Name of person completing form:
I am the
Custodial Party
Noncustodial Parent
PART 1. ACTUAL VISITATION BY THE NONCUSTODIAL PARENT
INSTRUCTIONS:
Complete the visitation history by filling in the last 12 months and number of hours for each month the noncustodial parent visited with the child(ren). If visitation is different for each child(ren), please complete one form for each child.
Example: If the last 12 months are June 2014 through May of 2015, you will complete June through December on the left side of the chart below. You would put 2014 for the year. Then you would complete the right side of the chart with January through May and put 2015 for the year.
NUMBER OF HOURS
THE NONCUSTODIAL
MONTH/YEAR
PARENT VISITED WITH
THE CHILD(REN) EACH
MONTH
January/
February/
March/
April/
May/
June/
July/
August/
September/
October/
November/
December/
TOTAL:
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PART 2. SHARED CUSTODY/VISITATION
CHECK ONE:
Shared Custody
Visitation Only
Neither
VISITATION HOURS:
Regular Visitation:
From (specify day of the week)
at (specify time)
To (specify day of the week)
Vacation Visitation:
Yes
If Yes, please specify dates/times:
Summer Visitation:
Holiday Visitation:
Overnight Visitation:
(Circle one) a.m./p.m.
No
Court-ordered custody/visitation arrangement:
Additional Information:
I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief that the above information is true and correct. I am aware that this information may be provided to the other parent for their verification and that either party may be required to provide documentation.
PRINT NAME
SIGNATURE
DATE
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After completing the DCSS 0053 form, you will be able to submit it to the appropriate authorities to ensure proper documentation of visitation. This process is essential for maintaining accurate records and may be used in future discussions regarding custody and visitation arrangements.
What is the purpose of the DCSS 0053 form?
The DCSS 0053 form is used to document visitation history between a noncustodial parent and their child(ren). It is part of the process managed by the California Department of Child Support Services. The form collects information regarding the actual visitation hours over the past 12 months, allowing both parents and the court to verify visitation arrangements and compliance with custody agreements.
Who should complete the DCSS 0053 form?
The form should be completed by either the custodial party or the noncustodial parent. The individual filling out the form must indicate their relationship to the child(ren) by selecting either "Custodial Party" or "Noncustodial Parent." This ensures that the information provided is accurate and relevant to the specific custody situation.
How is the visitation history recorded on the form?
Visitation history is recorded by filling in the number of hours the noncustodial parent visited with the child(ren) for each month over the last 12 months. The form includes a chart where the months are listed, and the user must enter the corresponding hours for each month. If visitation differs for each child, a separate form must be completed for each child.
What types of visitation are addressed in the DCSS 0053 form?
The form addresses various types of visitation, including regular visitation, vacation visitation, summer visitation, holiday visitation, and overnight visitation. For each type, the user is prompted to specify the relevant days, times, and any additional details. This comprehensive approach helps clarify the visitation schedule and expectations for both parents.
What should be done after completing the DCSS 0053 form?
Once the form is completed, it should be signed and dated by the individual filling it out. The information may then be shared with the other parent for verification purposes. It is important to note that either party may be required to provide supporting documentation to substantiate the visitation claims made on the form.
Filling out the DCSS 0053 form can be straightforward, but many make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. One frequent error is failing to provide the CSE Case Number. This number is crucial for tracking your case and ensuring that the information is processed correctly. Always double-check that this number is filled in accurately.
Another common mistake is not clearly indicating whether you are the Custodial Party or the Noncustodial Parent. This designation affects how the information is interpreted. Make sure to check the appropriate box to avoid confusion.
Many people overlook the instruction to complete the visitation history for the last 12 months. It’s essential to fill in each month accurately. Missing even one month can result in incomplete data, which may affect the outcome of your case.
Inaccurate reporting of visitation hours is another frequent issue. Ensure that the number of hours listed for each month is correct. Double-check your calculations to avoid discrepancies that could raise questions later.
Some individuals mistakenly believe they can use one form for multiple children. If visitation arrangements differ for each child, it’s necessary to complete a separate form for each one. This ensures that all information is specific and clear.
When it comes to shared custody or visitation, be careful not to skip this section. Clearly indicating whether you have shared custody or visitation only is important. If you select "Neither," ensure that you provide a valid explanation.
People often forget to specify visitation hours. If you have regular or vacation visitation, include the specific days and times. This information helps to clarify the arrangement and can prevent misunderstandings.
Lastly, always remember to sign and date the form. A signature indicates that you declare the information to be true and correct. Neglecting this step can result in the form being rejected or delayed.
When completing the DCSS 0053 form for visitation verification, you may need additional documents to support your case. Here’s a list of other forms and documents that are often used alongside the DCSS 0053. Each document serves a specific purpose in the process of establishing or verifying visitation rights.
Having these documents ready can make the process smoother and help clarify the arrangements for both parents and the child. Each document plays a crucial role in ensuring that visitation and custody matters are handled fairly and effectively.
The DCSS 0053 form is a key document used in California's child support services to verify visitation between noncustodial parents and their children. Several other forms serve similar purposes, focusing on visitation, custody, and parental responsibilities. Below are six documents that share similarities with the DCSS 0053 form:
When filling out the DCSS 0053 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:
Understanding the DCSS 0053 form can be challenging, and several misconceptions often arise. Below are some common misunderstandings regarding this important document:
Addressing these misconceptions can help parents navigate the visitation verification process more effectively. Understanding the requirements of the DCSS 0053 form is vital for ensuring that both parents are on the same page regarding visitation arrangements.
When filling out the DCSS 0053 form, it is essential to keep the following key takeaways in mind: