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California Child Support Minutes and Order

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MINUTES AND ORDER OR JUDGMENT

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY AND ZIP CODE:

BRANCH NAME:

PETITIONER/PLAINTIFF:

RESPONDENT/DEFENDANT:

OTHER PARENT:

CASE NUMBER:

1. This matter proceeded as follows:

Uncontested By stipulation Contested

a. Date: Time: Department:

b. Judicial officer (name): Judge Pro Tempore Commissioner

Court reporter (name): Court clerk (name): Bailiff (name):

c. Interpreter(s) present (name): for (name): (specify language):

d. Petitioner present Attorney present (name):

e. Respondent present Attorney present (name):

f. Other parent present Attorney present (name):

g. Attorney for local child support agency (name):

h. The obligor is the petitioner respondent other parent.

i. Other (specify):

2. This is a recommended order/judgment based on the objection of (specify name):

3. a. This matter is taken off calendar.

b. This entire matter is denied with/without prejudice.

c. This matter is continued at the request of the local child support agency petitioner respondent other parent to: Date: Time: Department:

(Specify issues):

Petitioner Respondent Other parent is ordered to appear at that date and time.

d. The court takes the following matters under submission (specify):

4. Order of examination

The petitioner respondent other (specify): was sworn and examined. Examination was held outside of court.

5. Referrals

a. The parties are referred to Family Court Services or mediation.

b. Petitioner Respondent Other parent is referred to the family law facilitator.

c. Other (specify):

THE COURT FINDS

6. Respondent Petitioner Other parent was was not served regarding this matter.

7. Respondent Petitioner Other parent admits denies parentage.

8. The parents of the children named below in item 14(a) are (specify names):

9. Respondent Petitioner Other parent has read, understands, and has signed the Advisement and Waiver of Rights for Stipulation attachment.

10. a. Guideline support amount: $

b. This order is not based on the guideline.

c. The attached Guideline Findings Attachment is incorporated into these findings.

d. A printout, which shows the calculation of child support payable, is attached and must become the court's findings.

e. The child support agreed to by the parents is below above the statewide child support guideline. The amount of support that would have been ordered under the guideline formula is $ per month.

f. The low-income adjustment applies.

11. Arrearages from (specify date): through (specify date): are $ including interest interest not computed and not waived.

THE COURT ORDERS

12. All orders previously made in this action must remain in full force and effect except as specifically modified below.

13. Genetic testing must be coordinated by the local child support agency.

a. Respondent Petitioner Mother of the children Other (specify): and the minor children must each submit to genetic testing as directed by the local child support agency.

b. Obligor must reimburse the local child support agency for genetic testing costs of $

14. a. Obligor is the parent of the following children and must pay current child support for them.

Additional children are listed on an attached page.

b. Obligor must pay additional support monthly for actual child-care costs: one-half percent of said costs. Payments must be made to the local child support agency other party child-care provider.

c. Obligor must pay reasonable uninsured health-care costs for the children: one-half percent of said costs.

d. Obligor must pay additional support monthly for the following (specify): one-half percent.

e. Other (specify):

f. For a total of: $ payable on the: day of each month beginning (date):

g. The low-income adjustment applies.

The low-income adjustment does not apply because (specify reasons):

h. Any support ordered will continue until further order of court, unless terminated by operation of law.

15. Obligor may claim the children for tax purposes as long as all child support payments are current as of the last day of the year for which the exemptions are claimed.

16. Petitioner Respondent Other parent must pay to petitioner respondent other parent as spousal support family support $ per month, beginning (date):

payable on the: day of each month.

17. Obligor must pay child support for past periods and in the following amounts set forth below:

a. Other (specify):

b. For a total of: $ payable on the: day of each month beginning (date):

c. Interest accrues on the entire principal balance owing and not on each installment as it becomes due.

18. Obligor owes support as follows, as of (date):

a. Child support: $ Spousal support: $ Family support: $ Other: $

b. Interest is not computed and is not waived.

c. Payable: on the: day of each month beginning (date):

d. Interest accrues on the entire principal balance owing and not on each installment as it becomes due.

19. No provision of this judgment can operate to limit any right to collect all sums owing in this matter as otherwise provided by law.

20. All payments except as otherwise ordered must be made to (name and address of agency):

21. An earnings assignment order is issued.

22. Obligor Obligee must (1) provide and maintain health insurance coverage for the children if it is available through employment or a group plan, or otherwise at no or reasonable cost, and must keep the local child support agency informed of the availability of the coverage; (2) if health insurance is not available, provide coverage when it becomes available; (3) within 20 days of the local child support agency’s request, complete and return a health insurance form; (4) provide to the local child support agency all information and forms necessary to obtain health-care services for the children; (5) present any claim to secure payment or reimbursement to the other parent or caretaker who incurs costs for health-care services to the children; (6) assign any rights to reimbursement to the other parent or caretaker who incurs costs for health-care services for the children.

23. Job search. (specify name(s)): must seek employment for at least (specify number): jobs per week and report those job applications and results to the court and the local child support agency at the continuance date.

24. For purposes of the licensing issue only, the obligor is found to be in compliance with the support order in this action. The local child support agency must issue a release of license(s).

25. Notwithstanding any noncompliance issues with the support order in this action, the court finds that the needs of the obligor warrant a conditional release. The local child support agency must issue a release of license(s). Such release is effective only as long as the obligor complies with all payment terms of this order.

26. A warrant of attachment/bench warrant issues for (specify name):

a. Bail is set in the amount of: $

b. Service is stayed until (date):

27. The court retains jurisdiction to make orders retroactive to (date):

28. The court reserves jurisdiction over all issues the issues of (specify):

29. The parents must notify the local child support agency in writing within 10 days of any change in residence or employment.

30. The Notice of Rights and Responsibilities—Health-Care Costs and Reimbursement Procedures and Information Sheet on Changing a Child Support Order are attached and incorporated.

31. The following person (the “other parent”) is added as a party to this action under Family Code sections 17400 and 17406 (specify name):

32. The court further orders (specify):

33. Number of pages attached:

Approved as conforming to court order: Date:

(SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY FOR OBLIGOR)

(SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY FOR LOCAL CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY)

Date:

JUDICIAL OFFICER

Signature follows last attachment.

NOTICE OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Health-Care Costs and Reimbursement Procedures

IF YOU HAVE A CHILD SUPPORT ORDER THAT INCLUDES A PROVISION FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF A PORTION OF THE CHILD’S OR CHILDREN’S HEALTH-CARE COSTS AND THOSE COSTS ARE NOT PAID BY INSURANCE, THE LAW SAYS:

1. Notice. You must give the other parent an itemized statement of the charges that have been billed for any health-care costs not paid by insurance. You must give this statement to the other parent within a reasonable time, but no more than 30 days after those costs were given to you.

2. Proof of full payment. If you have already paid all of the uninsured costs, you must (1) give the other parent proof that you paid them and (2) ask for reimbursement for the other parent’s court-ordered share of those costs.

3. Proof of partial payment. If you have paid only your share of the uninsured costs, you must (1) give the other parent proof that you paid your share, (2) ask that the other parent pay his or her share of the costs directly to the health-care provider, and (3) give the other parent the information necessary for that parent to be able to pay the bill.

4. Payment by notified parent. If you receive notice from a parent that an uninsured health-care cost has been incurred, you must pay your share of that cost within the time the court orders; or if the court has not specified a period of time, you must make payment within 30 days from the time you were given notice of the amount due, according to any payment schedule set by the health-care provider, according to a schedule agreed to in writing by you and the other parent, or according to a schedule adopted by the court.

5. Disputed charges. If you dispute a charge, you may file a motion in court to resolve the dispute, but only if you pay that charge before filing your motion.

6. Court-ordered insurance coverage. If a parent provides health-care insurance as ordered by the court, that insurance must be used at all times to the extent that it is available for health-care costs.

a. Burden to prove. The party claiming that the coverage is inadequate to meet the child's needs has the burden of proving that to the court.

b. Cost of additional coverage. If a parent purchases health-care insurance in addition to that ordered by the court, that parent must pay all the costs of the additional coverage. In addition, if a parent uses alternative coverage that costs more than the coverage provided by court order, that parent must pay the difference.

7. Preferred health providers. If the court-ordered coverage designates a preferred health-care provider, that provider must be used at all times consistent with the terms of the health insurance policy. When any party uses a health-care provider other than the preferred provider, any health-care costs that would have been paid by the preferred health provider if that provider had been used must be the sole responsibility of the party incurring those costs.

AVISO SOBRE DERECHOS Y RESPONSABILIDADES

Procedimientos relativos a costos de salud y devolución de dichos costos

Si usted tiene una orden de manutención de menores que disponga la devolución de costos incurridos por servicios de salud para menores y costos no cubiertos por el seguro médico, la ley dice lo siguiente:

1. Aviso. Se debe dar al otro padre una factura detallada relacionando los costos cobrados por servicios de salud que no estén cubiertos por seguro médico. Esta factura se le debe dar al otro padre con antelación razonable y no más tarde de 30 días después de haber recibido dichos cobros de pago.

2. Comprobante de pago total. Si usted ya pagó todos los costos de salud correspondientes a individuos no asegurados, deberá: (1) proporcionar al otro padre el comprobante de haber pagado y (2) pedirle al otro padre que le pague la porción de los costos que al otro padre le corresponda, según la orden del tribunal.

3. Comprobante de pago parcial. Si sólo pagó su porción de los costos no cubiertos por el seguro, debe: (1) darle al otro padre un comprobante indicando que ya pagó dicha porción, (2) pedir al otro padre que pague directamente al proveedor de servicios médicos la parte de los costos que al otro padre le corresponda y (3) darle al otro padre la información necesaria para que pague la factura.

4. Pago que le corresponde al padre notificado. Si usted recibe notificación del otro padre indicando costos incurridos por servicios de salud para individuos sin seguro, deberá pagar la porción que le corresponde a usted dentro del plazo ordenado por el tribunal, o si el tribunal no especifica un plazo, usted deberá pagar dichos costos, ya sea, (1) a más tardar en 30 días, desde la fecha en que recibió la notificación sobre los costos por pagar, (2) según un horario de pagos fijado por el proveedor de servicios de salud, (3) según un horario acordado por escrito entre usted y el otro padre o (4) según el horario adoptado por el tribunal.

5. Cuando se disputan los costos. Si usted disputa un costo, puede presentar al tribunal una moción para resolver la disputa. Sólo podrá hacer esto, si paga el costo antes de presentar la moción.

6. Cobertura de seguro por orden de tribunal. Si un padre tiene seguro de salud por orden del tribunal, ese seguro se usará todo el tiempo, siempre que esté disponible para cubrir los costos de servicios de salud.

a. Responsabilidad de comprobar. La responsabilidad de comprobar ante el tribunal que la cobertura de servicios de salud es inadecuada para los menores recae sobre la parte que reclama que es inadecuada.

b. Costos de cobertura adicional. Si uno de los padres compra un seguro de salud adicional al que haya sido ordenado por el tribunal, tal padre deberá pagar todo el costo de la cobertura adicional. Y si uno de los padres usa una manera alterna para cubrir gastos médicos que cuestan más que la cobertura dispuesta por el tribunal, dicho padre tendrá que pagar la diferencia.

7. Proveedor preferido para servicios de salud. Si la orden del tribunal especifica un proveedor preferido para servicios de salud, dicho proveedor deberá usarse siempre, según los términos de la póliza del seguro de salud. Si una de las partes decide usar un proveedor que no sea el preferido e incurre costos que podrían haber sido cubiertos por el proveedor preferido si se hubieran utilizado sus servicios, dicha parte asumirá la responsabilidad de cubrir los costos incurridos.

INFORMATION SHEET ON CHANGING A CHILD SUPPORT ORDER

General Information

The court has just made a child support order in your case. This order will remain the same unless a party to the action requests that the support be changed (modified). An order for child support can be modified only by filing a motion to change child support and serving each party involved in your case. If both parents and the local child support agency (if it is involved) agree on a new child support amount, you can complete, have all parties sign, and file with the court a Stipulation to Establish or Modify Child Support and Order or Stipulation and Order (Governmental).

When a Child Support Order May Be Modified

The court takes several things into account when ordering the payment of child support. First, the number of children is considered. Next, the net incomes of both parents are determined, along with the percentage of time each parent has physical custody of the children. The court considers both parties’ tax filing status and may consider hardships, such as a child of another relationship. An existing order for child support may be modified when the net income of one of the parents changes significantly, the parenting schedule changes significantly, or a new child is born.

Examples

• You have been ordered to pay $500 per month in child support. You lose your job. You will continue to owe $500 per month, plus 10 percent interest on any unpaid support, unless you file a motion to modify your child support to a lower amount and the court orders a reduction.

• You are currently receiving $300 per month in child support from the other parent, whose net income has just increased substantially. You will continue to receive $300 per month unless you file a motion to modify your child support to a higher amount and the court orders an increase.

• You are paying child support based upon having physical custody of your children 30 percent of the time. After several months it turns out that you actually have physical custody of the children 50 percent of the time. You may file a motion to modify child support to a lower amount.

How to Change a Child Support Order

To change a child support order, you must file papers with the court. Remember: You must follow the order you have now.

What forms do I need?

If you are asking to change a child support order open with the local child support agency, you must fill out one of these forms: FL-680, FL-683, and FL-684.

If you are asking to change a child support order that is not open with the local child support agency, you must fill out FL-301 or FL-300 and FL-310 or FL-390.

You must also fill out FL-150 or FL-155.

What if I am not sure which forms to fill out? Talk to the family law facilitator at your court.

After you fill out the forms, file them with the court clerk and ask for a hearing date. Write the hearing date on the form.

If you cannot afford the fee, fill out FW-001 and FW-003.

You must serve the other parent. If the local child support agency is involved, serve it too.

The server must also serve blank copies of FL-320 and FL-150, or FL-155.

Then the server fills out and signs a Proof of Service. Take this form to the clerk and file it.

Go to your hearing and ask the judge to change the support. Bring your tax returns from the last two years and your last two months’ pay stubs.

After the hearing, fill out FL-340 and FL-342.

Need help? Contact the family law facilitator in your county or call your county's bar association and ask for an experienced family lawyer.

INFORMACIÓN SOBRE CÓMO CAMBIAR UNA ORDEN JUDICIAL SOBRE MANUTENCIÓN DE MENORES

Información general

El tribunal acaba de dar una orden judicial sobre manutención de menores en esta causa. Esta orden permanecerá en efecto, a menos que alguna de las partes pida que se modifique. Sólo se puede modificar una orden de manutención de menores si se presenta una moción y se notifica a las partes interesadas.

¿Cuándo se puede modificar una orden de manutención de menores? El juez toma varios factores en consideración cuando emite una orden judicial sobre el pago de manutención de menores.

Ejemplos: Si pierde su empleo, seguirá debiendo la manutención a menos que se modifique la orden. Si los ingresos del otro padre aumentan, usted seguirá recibiendo la misma suma a menos que solicite un aumento. Si el tiempo de custodia cambia significativamente, puede solicitar una reducción.

Cómo modificar una orden existente de manutención de hijos menores: usted debe presentar documentos ante el tribunal y cumplir la orden existente.

¿Qué formularios necesita? FL-680, FL-683, FL-684, FL-301, FL-300, FL-310, FL-390, FL-150 o FL-155, según su caso.

Después de llenar los formularios, radíquelos en el tribunal y pida una audiencia ante el tribunal.

Si no tiene los medios para pagar la cuota, llene también FW-001 y FW-003.

Usted tiene que hacer la “entrega legal” de los formularios al otro padre y, si participa, a la agencia local que vigila la manutención.

La persona que haga la entrega deberá entregar copias de FL-320 y FL-150, o FL-155, y luego llenar FL-330 o FL-335.

Vaya a su audiencia y pida al juez que modifique la manutención. Lleve sus declaraciones de impuestos de los últimos dos años y talones de pago recientes.

Después de la audiencia, complete FL-340 y FL-342.

¿Necesita ayuda? Consulte con el Asesor Legal del Tribunal de Familia de su condado o llame al colegio de abogados de su condado.

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What the California Child Support Minutes and Order Is

The California Child Support Minutes and Order is a court-issued record that documents a family law hearing’s findings and sets enforceable child support obligations. It combines the minutes (a concise summary of proceedings and rulings) with the formal order that specifies payment amounts, payor/payee duties, health insurance allocations, wage assignment instructions, and modification or review terms. Parties, counsel, and child support enforcement agencies rely on this document for case administration, income withholding, and enforcement steps. Accurate completion and timely filing with the family court clerk are essential to make the order effective and enforceable.

Why this document matters for families and enforcement

A clear Minutes and Order turns court findings into a binding, enforceable child support judgment that enables wage withholding, collections, and modification petitions. It provides legal certainty for parents and the agencies that enforce support obligations.

Why this document matters for families and enforcement

Who completes or relies on the Minutes and Order

The document is prepared by the court clerk or drafted by counsel after a hearing; parties review it for accuracy before filing.

  • Parents and guardians — review terms, verify amounts, and confirm payment directions with the court.
  • Family law attorneys — draft, confirm language, and file corrections or requested clarifications.
  • Child Support Agency staff — use the order to set up withholding, collections, and enforcement actions.

Accurate entries and prompt filing reduce enforcement delays and lower the need for follow-up motions or corrections.

Essential elements found in a professional Minutes and Order

A complete Minutes and Order contains standardized legal details and administrative instructions so courts and agencies can implement support obligations without ambiguity.

Case ID

Court name, case number, and department designation are required to link the order to the correct docket and enforcement records.

Party Information

Full legal names, addresses, dates of birth, and relationship to the child must match other court filings to avoid processing delays.

Support Amounts

Monthly child support figure, payment frequency, start date, and any arrears schedule must be stated in dollars and cents.

Income Withholding

Wage assignment language includes employer notice requirements, withholding start date, and employer contact instructions for implementation.

Health Coverage

Identification of the party responsible for health insurance, cost-sharing percentages, and covered children to avoid coverage disputes.

Modification Terms

The grounds and procedures for future modification, review dates, or recalculation methods should be explicit to guide later petitions.

Required data fields at a glance

Court Identifier: Court name and case number
Party Names: Full legal names
Child Details: Names and birthdates
Support Terms: Payment amount and date
Withholding Notice: Employer instructions
Judge Signature: Judge name and signature date

Step-by-step: Preparing and filing the Minutes and Order

Follow a standard sequence to confirm accuracy, obtain required approvals, and ensure the document becomes effective once filed with the court clerk.

  • 01
    Draft the minutes: Summarize hearing findings concisely and include specific numeric support figures.
  • 02
    Prepare the order: Translate findings into plain-language directives for payments and withholding.
  • 03
    Review with parties: Give both parties a chance to verify names, amounts, and start dates.
  • 04
    File with court: Submit the signed order to the family court clerk for entry and distribution.

How to configure an online workflow for this document

Setting up a standard e-filing workflow reduces errors and ensures consistency between minutes and the formal order.

Field Configuration
Case Metadata Require court, case number, and department fields before routing.
Signature Roles Assign roles for judge, clerk, and parties with ordered signing.
Evidence Attachments Allow PDF attachments for income docs, declarations, and exhibits.
Automatic Notices Enable email triggers to agency and parties after filing.

Where the Minutes and Order flows after signature

Understand routing so each recipient receives the document needed to implement support and enforcement.

  • Court Clerk: Files and enters the order on the docket to make it official.
  • Child Support Agency: Receives copy to set up withholding and collections.
  • Employer: Gets withholding notice if wage assignment is ordered.
  • Parties: Each parent gets a certified copy for their records.

Digital filing and e-signature considerations

Many courts accept electronic filing and digitally signed orders, but local court rules determine acceptable formats and signature methods.

  • File Formats: PDF/A preferred for long-term preservation.
  • Authentication: Use email plus code or stronger authentication for party identity.
  • Audit Trail: Record IP, timestamp, and signer attribution.

Confirm the court’s e-filing guidelines and retain signed copies with a complete audit trail to support future enforcement or modification proceedings.

Typical timelines and deadlines to watch

Timely steps keep enforcement effective; verify local court calendars for exact deadlines and entry processing times.

Entry of Order:

Occurs after judge signs; effective date commonly specified in order.

Start of Withholding:

Employer receives notice and starts withholding per effective date.

Request for Corrections:

File a motion to correct clerical errors promptly after discovery.

Modification Petition:

Can be filed when statutory grounds or significant income changes occur.

Enforcement Actions:

Agency may begin collections immediately after entry if payment missed.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the Minutes and Order

  • Using informal or vague language for withholding instructions that leaves employers uncertain about implementation and timing.
  • Failing to match party names and dates to other court records, which may delay agency processing or cause rejection.
  • Omitting start dates or failing to specify payment frequency, creating ambiguity about when payments are due.
  • Not attaching necessary income or custody documentation that supports the calculated support amount and may trigger recalculation requests.

Consequences of errors or delayed filing

Enforcement Delay: Loss of immediate withholding
Arrearage Growth: Accumulated unpaid support
Contempt Risk: Possible court sanctions
Employer Confusion: Incorrect withholdings
Agency Rejection: Processing returns and re-submission
Legal Fees: Additional counsel costs

Common eSignature vendor pricing and capability snapshot

Below is a concise feature and price comparison for popular eSignature vendors; signNow appears first per vendor ordering conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about the Minutes and Order

Answers to common questions about validity, e-signing, filing, and next steps after the order is entered.


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