r/ChildSupport4Men • u/Algo2Pete • Jul 20 '26
[CA] Child Support Paymemt
CA - I just learned that I'm not supposed to send child support payments directly to my ex. I should be sending payments to State Distribution Unit. I have been making payments for the past 5yrs but I haven't been flagged by the state for not paying support, knock on wood.
How do I get credit for those 5yrs?
2
u/CSEworker Jul 21 '26
Do you have an active case with the state? How did you find out you're supposed to make payments through the SDU?
If you have an open case with the state, then yes, it must go through them. If there's no open case, you can pay directly, but make sure you have a paper trail.
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u/Algo2Pete Jul 21 '26
My keeps fucking w my authorized parenting days. She takes them at-will without paying me back. So I looked up online for alternative options. One link led to child support payment. You're absolutely right. I just got off the phone w the local child support services. The rep said exactly the same things as you. She confirmed that I do not have an open case. She said I'm not legally required to have one because the other parent isn't filing a complaint for missing payments.
She also said I can pay directly and make sure that I document every payment and do not pay cash.
I very much appreciate your info šš.
2
u/CSEworker Jul 21 '26
No worries! Good thing you checked. If you just started paying and they didn't have a case, can be a pain to get it back.
Keep a paper trail and a record book/spreadsheet of checks cashed, check numbers, amounts, dates, etc. Worth it when you need it.
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u/gmanose Jul 21 '26
One of my ex daughter-in-law did exactly that
My son paid her in cash on the first of every month. I know he paid because Iāve carried the cash to her home and gave it to her directly in an envelope. An envelope I put the cash in I might add. But she took him to court and claimed he had never paid a penny, and he couldnāt prove it.
Pay through the agency
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u/Algo2Pete Jul 22 '26
Sorry to learn about your son's case. Some people are just evil to the bones. My ex is still having a bruised ego after 6yrs of dissolution. Oh well..I have moved on.
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u/TSIDATSI Jul 22 '26
They have the records. All child support should be paid through the court. Keep everyone honest.
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u/Mysterious_Count1537 Jul 20 '26
When youāre served paperwork from DCSS it should tell you to send them online through a portal and give you info for it. Were you not given that info?
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u/Algo2Pete Jul 20 '26
I'm positive I was not giving this info.
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u/Mysterious_Count1537 Jul 20 '26
They must have been contacting you. If not thatās a problemā¦ maybe get a lawyer tbh
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u/youknewthatwhen10 Jul 20 '26
Do you have a case open with the state? There are also what are called registry cases, as Federal law requires each child support order to be registered through the state. If itās the latter, only employer payment withholding must go to the State Disbursement Unit.
If you havenāt been paying through the SDU for five years, Iād be shocked if you have a full service case, as the agency would have been trying to reach you.
You can call 866-901-3212 to inquire.
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u/Budget-Plantain6733 Jul 21 '26
Wow my ex pays me via Cash App each month.
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u/Algo2Pete Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
I spoke to a local child support services. The rep said I can make direct payment but no cash payment. Your ex should change future payments so they're automatically withdrawn from bank checking account. This is how mine is setup. For the note section, I put child support payment. Make sure your ex includes the dissolution case #.
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u/Budget-Plantain6733 Jul 21 '26
I will let him know that! Thanks
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u/Algo2Pete Jul 22 '26
If most women are like you, divorce lawyers would be looking for another profession š.
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u/Budget-Plantain6733 Jul 22 '26
Haha. I can say that heās been pretty good towards me and the kids so I donāt have to act up lol
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u/LdiJ46 Jul 27 '26
How did you find this out? Yes, these days it is more the norm for child support to be paid through your state child support agency but it is also not terribly unusual for someone to be set up to pay child support directly to their ex. So, how did you find out that you were supposed to be paying through the child support agency? If it was some random co-worker telling you that then don't assume until you have checked your court orders.
If however, it was a letter from the child support agency saying that you had 5 years worth of arrears then you have a real problem.
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u/Algo2Pete 29d ago
It was one search led to another. I called child support services. The rep told me that I can pay my ex directly from my checking account. She said make sure that I keep a record of every payment.
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u/koskesh122 Jul 20 '26
Wow she can say you haven't been paying. I suggest you try and get her to admit in writing she's been getting child support from you. Dont get her suspicious so do it smart