What You Need to Know About How to Collect Child Support Internationally in California
For some families, separated parents may not live in the same country. Here’s how to collect child support internationally in California.
International child support laws differ based on the other country in which one of the parents lives. Depending on this country, different resources are available to help parents with their child support payment and collection.
International Child Support in Countries with Reciprocity
Individual child support cases are handled by state agencies. The United States can process child support cases with certain countries under different reciprocity agreements – agreements that state that the same laws will be enforced in two different places – such as with Hague Convention countries and foreign reciprocating countries.
If the custodial parent lives in the United States, the Hague convention or foreign reciprocating country will assist the United States with the case. If the custodial parent lives in a Hague convention or foreign reciprocating country, the United States will assist with the case.
Countries that have a reciprocity agreement with the United States include Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. A full list can be found on the Office of Child Support Enforcement’s website.
In addition to these reciprocity agreements at the national level, the State of California also has state-level reciprocity agreements with the following countries:
- Bermuda
- Canadian province of Quebec
- Fiji
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Republic of South Africa
For child support cases with these countries, the party can apply for child support at the state level, and the state will work directly with the other country.
Related: International Child Support Laws in California
International Child Support in Countries without Reciprocity
State child support agencies are unable to assist with cases involving countries that do not have child support reciprocity with the United States. If a party lives in a country that does not have reciprocity, the separated couple should look into private legal counsel. Information on retaining a foreign attorney can be found on the Department of State’s website.
International Direct Deposit
If the person receiving child support lives outside of the United States, the State of California is currently sending electronic payments through the following two processes:
- Electronic payment transfers to international child support agencies, who then make the payments to the recipient
- International Direct Deposit
International Direct Deposit is a program that separated couples can enroll in. Because no checks are processed and money goes directly from the paying party’s bank account to the recipient, International Direct Deposit provides more security to users. Enrollment requires the recipient to complete a form with their personal bank account and routing information, the participant name, and the case number.
International Direct Deposit is only available in certain countries. If the recipient lives in a country not supported by International Direct Deposit, paper checks and electronic payment cards are other options.
FAQs about How to Collect Child Support Internationally in California
How can I contact California child support if I live internationally?
The contact phone number for international participants in child support cases is 1-408-273-0073.
What does reciprocity mean?
Reciprocity refers to when two places (in this case, the United States and another country, or California and another country) enforce the same laws and policies. If the United States and another country have child support reciprocity, both countries work together to settle the case.
Are the services provided in an international child support case different from a child support case within the United States?
No. As much as possible, the state agency will provide the same services in an international case as it would in a domestic one. Services may differ slightly depending on the case’s individual circumstances and the child support laws of the other country involved.
Related: Interstate Child Support Laws in California
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