Who We Are
The Marin County Department of Child Support Services works with parents — custodial and noncustodial — and guardians to ensure children and families receive court-ordered financial and medical support. For more information about this program please watch this video. Additional information can also be found at the State Department of Child Support Services website.
Our lobby is open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm with social distancing restrictions in place. We encourage phone appointments whenever possible. Please, email us or call (866) 901-3212 to set up an appointment. If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and cannot pay a child support obligation, email or call the office immediately to discuss options.
With some exceptions, Marin County Superior Court hearings are being held via videoconference. Do not go to the Courthouse at the Civic Center unless specifically told to do so. If you do not have access to the equipment needed to attend a Superior Court videoconference hearing regarding a child support case, please email us for assistance. Child Support Services may be able to set up the videoconference equipment for you at our location.
The Department of Child Support Services is responsible for establishing and enforcing orders for child support.
Our Mission: Children deserve the security of having their needs met. Parents are responsible for providing financial, medical and emotional support for their children. To achieve these goals, we establish and enforce child support orders, treating all parties with respect, and serve the community through outreach and education.
Apply for Services
A child support services case can be opened by either parent, or a legal guardian, whether or not a child support court order exists. If you already have a court order, opening a case offers neutral assistance with every part of the process, keeps records, and helps both parties stay on track. If you do not have a case, applying for child support means your local child support agency will help you locate the other parent, establish legal paternity/parentage if required, get a court order and see that it is enforced in every state and many foreign countries.
To apply for services online, go to the California Child Support Services website. (Mire en la esquina superior derecha para cambiar el formulario a español.) You will be taken to a secure website where you can enter all the information necessary to complete an application, which will then be automatically routed to the child support agency in your area. Please plan to take 30 – 45 minutes to complete all of the parts of the online application.
The link above will also provide an option to download and complete an Application for Child Support Service Packet that can then be printed and mailed to Marin County Department of Child Support Services, PO Box 6145, Novato, CA 94948-6145 or dropped off at the office located at 88 Rowland Way, Suite 200, Novato, CA between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday except major Holidays.
Payment Options
Child support payments are collected and processed by California State Disbursement Unit (SDU).
Credit Card Payment
You can pay your child support, medical support and spousal support by credit card. You must enroll in the program and receive a PIN number to make payments. You can enroll in the program or to make a payment once you have a PIN.
Electronic Funds Transfer
Employers and parents making child support payments may authorize their bank to send child support payments electronically. Parents receiving support may receive their payments through direct deposit or a MASTERCARD-branded electronic payment card (EPC).
Payments by Mail
If you are paying child support by check or money order, please mail your payment to the California State Disbursement Unit, PO Box 989067, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067. Please include payor's name and ID/SSN with the payment. Do not send correspondence to this address.
To learn more, visit the California State Disbursement Unit (SDU) website or call (866) 901-3212.
Department of Child Support Services
The Marin County Department of Child Support Services would like your feedback about our child support program. Your feedback will help us make sure we are giving our customers excellent service and quick access to the information they need. To complete this customer service survey, please choose a link below:
Customer Service Survey (English) (opens a new window).
Customer Service Survey (Español) (opens a new window).