STATE
ZIP CODE
COMPLAINANT'S SIGNATURE
DATE
REQUEST FOR STATE HEARING Page two
RIGHT TO A STATE HEARING:
If the local child support agency does not respond to you within 30 days from receiving your
complaint, you have the right to request a State Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
IMPORTANT: Your request for a state Hearing must be made within 90 days after you complained to
the local child support agency.
If the local child support agency does
respond to you within 30 days of making your complaint, and
you are not satisfied with the local child support agency's complaint resolution or response, you have
the right to request a State Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. IMPORTANT: Your request
for State Hearing must be made within 90 days after you received the local child sup
p
ort agency's
written response to your complaint.
You can request a State Hearing in writing by sending a Request for State Hearing form (SH001) to the
Department of Child Support Services, or you can call the Department of Child Support Services toll free at
1-866-289-4714.
The Department of Child Support Services will let you know the date, time, and place of your State Hearing.
The Department of Child Support Services will provide an interpreter or disability accommodation for you at the
hearing if you need one.
IMPORTANT: Not all complaints can be heard at a State Hearing.
State Hearings will only be granted for the following issues:
An application for child support has been denied or has not been acted upon within the required time.
The child support services case has been acted upon in violation of federal or state law or regulation, or
California Department of Child Support Services policy letter, including services for the establishment,
modification, and enforcement of child support orders and child support accountings.
Child support collections have not been distributed, or have been distributed or disbursed incorrectly,
or the amount of child support arrears, as calculated by the local child support agency is inaccurate.
The local child support agency's decision to close a child support case.
IMPORTANT: The following issues cannot be heard at a State Hearing:
Child support issues that must be addressed by motion, order to show cause, or appeal in a court.
A review of any court order for child support or child support arrears.
A court order or equivalent determination of paternity.
A court order for spousal support.
Child custody determinations.
Child visitation determinations.
Complaints of alleged discourteous treatment by a local child support agency employee, unless such conduct
resulted in a hearable action or inaction.
OMBUDSPERSON SERVICES:
Every local child support agency has an Ombudsperson available to help you through the complaint
resolution and/or State Hearing process.
The Ombudsperson can help you obtain information regarding your complaint to help you prepare for your State
Hearing.
IMPORTANT: The Ombudsperson cannot represent you at the State Hearing or give you legal advice.