Child support paperwork in San Jose — so your children are supported
Whether you need to set child support for the first time, write down an amount you both agreed on, or change an order after your income changed, Rosa prepares your child support forms correctly and at your direction, starting with a consultation about your case.
How does child support work in California?
California child support is set using a statewide guideline formula based mainly on each parent’s income and how much time each parent spends with the children. Parents can agree on an amount in writing using a Stipulation (Form FL-350), or ask the court to set or change support with a Request for Order (Form FL-300) and an Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL-150). Expert Multi-Services, a registered and bonded Legal Document Assistant in San Jose, prepares these forms at your direction.
What Rosa does
- Prepares your Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Prepares a Stipulation to Establish or Modify Child Support (FL-350) when you agree
- Prepares a Request for Order (FL-300) to set or change support
- Explains each form and step in English or Spanish
What only an attorney or judge does
- Calculates or recommends a support amount for you
- Argues for you at a support hearing
- Decides support when parents do not agree
Your children can’t wait while the paperwork sits.Talk with Rosa today — walk-ins welcome.
Official sources: California Courts Self-Help — Child support · California Guideline Calculator · Form FL-350
Agreeing on support vs. asking the court
| Agreement (FL-350) | Request for Order (FL-300) | |
|---|---|---|
| When it fits | Both parents agree on the amount | Parents do not agree |
| Court hearing | Usually not needed | Yes |
| Income forms | Often required | FL-150 required |
| Who decides | Both parents, approved by the judge | The judge, using the guideline |
You may need child support forms if…
- You are separating or divorcing and need support written into your case.
- You and the other parent agreed on an amount and want it made official.
- Your income, or the other parent’s, has changed since the last order.
- The children now spend more or less time with you than before.
Five steps with Rosa
- Book a consultation. Walk in, call, or book online and explain your situation.
- Gather your information. Pay stubs, tax returns, childcare and health insurance costs, and the parenting schedule.
- Rosa prepares your forms at your direction. FL-150 plus an agreement (FL-350) or a request (FL-300).
- File with the Santa Clara County Superior Court. At the Family Justice Center, 201 N. First Street, San Jose.
- Serve and follow through. The judge approves your agreement or decides at a hearing.
Private paperwork or the county agency
The Santa Clara County Department of Child Support Services is a government agency that can open a support case and collect payments at no cost. Many parents choose it. Others prefer to handle support privately inside their divorce or custody case, or to put an agreement in writing quickly. Rosa prepares the court forms for that private path, and she can explain the difference in plain English or Spanish.
Clear pricing after a consultation
- Every child support case is different, so pricing is explained at your consultation before any work begins. Call (408) 766-3529 to schedule.
- Court filing fees are additional where applicable; fee waivers may be available.
- We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. We prepare documents at your direction.
“An outstanding experience from start to finish. Rosa made a stressful process simple and made sure my documents were accurate and on time. They handle divorces, custody, guardianship, immigration petitions, citizenship, and even DMV paperwork. Highly recommend.”Maria PerezClient
Child support questions, answered
How is child support calculated in California?
California uses a statewide guideline formula based mainly on each parent’s income and the percentage of time each parent spends with the children. The state offers a free online guideline calculator.
What forms do I need to file for child support in California?
The main forms are the Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150), plus either a Stipulation to Establish or Modify Child Support (FL-350) if you agree, or a Request for Order (FL-300) if you do not. Expert Multi-Services prepares these at your direction.
Can we agree on child support without going to court?
Yes. Parents can sign a written agreement, usually Form FL-350, and submit it for the judge’s approval. The judge reviews it to make sure the children are supported.
Can we agree to less than the guideline amount?
Sometimes. Parents can agree to an amount different from the guideline, but the agreement must include certain statements and the judge must approve it. Child support is for the children, so it cannot simply be waived.
How do I change a child support order?
You can file a Request for Order (FL-300) with an updated Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150), or sign a new agreement with the other parent. A change generally cannot go back earlier than the date you file, so do not wait.
My income dropped. Can I pay less child support?
Not on your own. The current order still applies until the court changes it, so file a request to modify as soon as your income changes. Unpaid support stays owed.
How long does child support last in California?
Child support usually lasts until the child turns 18. It can continue to age 19 if the child is unmarried, still a full-time high school student, and not self-supporting.
What is the child support office in San Jose?
The Santa Clara County Department of Child Support Services is the government agency that can open and enforce child support cases at no cost. Expert Multi-Services is a private document preparer and is not part of that agency.
Should I use the county agency or prepare my own forms?
Both are options. The county agency handles cases for free but on its own timeline. Preparing your own forms lets you file an agreement or request directly, often as part of a divorce or custody case. Rosa can explain both paths.
Do we need to be married to get child support?
No. Unmarried parents can get child support orders too. If parentage has not been legally established, that step usually comes first in a parentage case.
Is child support the same as spousal support?
No. Child support is for the children and follows the statewide guideline. Spousal support is for a spouse and follows different rules. A case can include both.
Can Rosa tell me how much child support I should get or pay?
No. A Legal Document Assistant cannot give legal advice or calculate a recommended amount for you. You can use the state guideline calculator, agree with the other parent, or let the judge decide. Rosa prepares the forms with the figures you provide.
How much does it cost to prepare child support forms in San Jose?
Every child support case is different, so Rosa reviews your situation and explains the cost at a consultation before any work begins. Call (408) 766-3529 to schedule. Court filing fees are separate, and fee waivers may be available.
Do I need a lawyer for child support?
California does not require a lawyer for child support. If the other parent strongly disagrees or income is hard to prove, consulting an attorney is a good idea. Expert Multi-Services prepares documents but cannot give legal advice.
Do you help with child support in Spanish?
Yes. Rosa is a native Spanish speaker and explains every child support form in Spanish. Se habla español.
Can I walk in today or book online?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, at 434 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose. You can also book online or call (408) 766-3529.
Start your child support paperwork with Rosa
Walk-ins welcome Monday–Friday, 10 AM–6 PM, at 434 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose. Se habla español.
Expert Multi-Services Inc. is a registered and bonded Legal Document Assistant (LDA #269, Santa Clara County). We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. We prepare documents at your direction. We are not affiliated with the Department of Child Support Services.