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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 17Ch. 2Art. 1§ 17401 Child Support Enforcement Timeline

§ 17401 Child Support Enforcement Timeline

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 17401 Child Support Enforcement Timeline

This law says that if a parent getting child support gives the agency real info about where the other parent lives or works, the agency must take action within 60 days. If the info is wrong and they can't find the other parent, they have to tell the parent who asked for help.

Key Takeaways

  • •If you give the child support agency good info about the other parent, they have to act fast (within 60 days).
  • •If the info is wrong and they can't find the other parent, they must tell you in writing.
  • •This is on top of other time rules the agency already has to follow.

Example

A mom tells the child support agency where her ex works so she can get child support payments.

The agency has to try to contact the ex within 60 days. If the address is wrong and they can't find him, they must tell the mom in writing.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 17401 Child Support Enforcement Timeline

If the parent who is receiving support enforcement services provides to the local child support agency substantial, credible, information regarding the residence or work address of the support obligor, the agency shall initiate an establishment or enforcement action and serve the defendant, if service is required, within 60 days and inform the parent in writing when those actions have been taken. If the address or any other information provided by the support obligee is determined by the local child support agency to be inaccurate and if, after reasonable diligence, the agency is unable to locate and serve the support obligor within that 60-day period, the local child support agency shall inform the support obligee in writing of those facts. The requirements of this section shall be in addition to the time standards established by the Department of Child Support Services pursuant to subdivision (l) of Section 17400. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 755, Sec. 12. Effective October 12, 2001.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

support enforcement servicessupport obligorlocal child support agencyestablishment or enforcement actionsupport obligee

Related Statutes

  • § 4204 Child Support Payment Direction
  • § 17401.5 Child Support Hearing Notices
  • § 17402.1 Child Support Payment Remittance
  • § 17404 Child Support Enforcement Actions
  • § 17404.3 Remote Child Support Hearings

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 17401.
View Official Source