The California Department of Child Support Services has released a reminder that local child support agencies (LCSAs) must provide accountings in child support cases on request. The LCSA must provide an audit of arrears within 30 days of a request by either a custodial or non-custodial party. If the LCSA cannot complete a review of arrears within 30 days, the LCSA should send a letter to the requestor informing of the delay and an estimate date for completion of the audit of arrears.

The LCSA must also provide a payment history to non-custodial parents on request.

A custodial or non-custodial party can file a request for complaint resolution for failure of a LCSA to provide a financial audit on request.  CSS Letter 15-12 (12/3/15).

The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) is releasing a new on-line application that is scheduled for implementation in December, 2015. The application, called Virtual Interactive Online Application for Child Support Services (VIOLA), will be the single application process available on DCSS’ website.

VIOLA will be free to use, interfaces with the state child support computer system, can automatically create a new case and allows uploading of up to 30 documents.  LCSA Letter 15-15 (11/23/15).

Tells the Counties that the Department of Child Support Services will now be assessing a $25 annual fee from the custodial party in cases that have never received cash aid (never-assisted). So why tell the welfare departments? To remind them that it is NEVER collected from aided families, including Tribal TANF. [Download]