Collecting child support internationally in California may require cooperation between a local child support agency, federal authorities, and the country where the other parent lives. The available procedures depend on whether that country has a child support agreement with the United States.
When an international agreement applies, government agencies may help establish an order, locate a parent, collect payments, or enforce past-due support. Cases involving countries without an agreement may require private legal action abroad.
Starting an International Child Support Case
California’s local child support agencies handle many international support matters. These state agencies may work with the federal Office of Child Support Services and the appropriate foreign authority.
A parent living in California may enroll for child support services when the other parent has moved overseas. A parent living outside the United States may also seek assistance when the other parent or child has a connection to California.
Depending on the case and the foreign country, available services may include:
- Establishing parentage
- Obtaining a child support order
- Enforcing an existing order
- Collecting overdue support
- Locating the paying parent
- Processing international payments
- Requesting modification of an order
California generally works with the foreign country’s designated child support authority rather than contacting the other parent directly.
Countries With International Child Support Agreements
The United States processes international child support cases through several types of agreements. These include the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance and agreements with designated Foreign Reciprocating Countries.
These agreements create procedures for participating countries to recognize and enforce support obligations across national borders. The Office of Child Support Services maintains a full list of countries currently working with the United States.
When an agreement applies, foreign and California authorities may exchange documents, locate income, enforce support, and transfer payments. The exact remedy depends on the law and enforcement system of the country involved.
Her Lawyer’s guide to international child support laws in California provides additional information about these agreements and cross-border cases.
What Happens When the Country Has No Reciprocity?
An international case becomes more difficult when the other country does not participate in the Hague Convention and has no reciprocal child support arrangement with the United States.
California or federal authorities may be unable to assist through the standard international enforcement process. However, a parent may still contact the California child support office to determine whether any services or alternative procedures are available.
When government enforcement is unavailable, the parent seeking support may need to ask a court in the foreign country to recognize the California order or begin a new proceeding under that country’s laws.
The U.S. Department of State’s website explains how to locate an attorney abroad. U.S. embassies and consulates maintain lists of foreign attorneys, although inclusion on a list does not constitute an endorsement.
Enforcing a California Order Overseas
A California child support order does not automatically lose effect when the paying parent moves abroad. Enforcement depends on whether the foreign country recognizes the order and what remedies its laws permit.
A participating foreign authority may be able to:
- Withhold support from wages
- Locate employment or assets
- Collect overdue payments
- Register the California order
- Establish a local enforceable order
- Send collected funds to California
Documents may need to be certified, translated, or submitted through designated government agencies. International cases often take longer than domestic matters because several agencies and legal systems may be involved.
Receiving International Child Support Payments
California can send support payments to a recipient living outside the United States through electronic transfers to foreign child support agencies or, in eligible countries, payments directly to the recipient.
California’s International Direct Deposit program may allow a recipient to receive funds in a foreign bank account. Enrollment generally requires banking information, the participant’s name, and the child support case number.
International direct deposit is not available in every country. Depending on the location and case, another payment method may be required. California issued updated international payment guidance in 2026 confirming that electronic payments may be sent either through foreign support agencies or directly to eligible recipients.
Contacting California Child Support From Another Country
A participant outside the United States may contact California Child Support Services by calling 1-408-273-0073. The current contact phone number and other customer service information are available through the agency’s website.
The parent should have the case number and identifying information available before calling. The local agency may also request documents showing the existing order, payment history, addresses, employment information, or the other parent’s location.
International and Interstate Cases Are Different
An international child support case involves at least one parent living outside the United States. An interstate case involves parents living in different U.S. states.
Interstate cases generally proceed under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. International cases may involve that law together with federal agreements, treaties, and the foreign country’s legal procedures.
Her Lawyer’s article about interstate child support laws in California explains the process when both parents remain in the United States.
FAQs About International Child Support in California
Does California provide the same services in an international case?
California attempts to provide the same services available in domestic cases when the foreign country and applicable agreements permit. Specific enforcement tools may differ because the foreign country applies its own laws.
Can California collect overdue support from a parent overseas?
California may request collection of arrears when the other country participates in an applicable agreement. The foreign authority determines which enforcement methods are available.
Can an international child support order be modified?
A modification may be possible, but jurisdiction can become complicated when parents and children live in different countries. The court or authority permitted to modify the order depends on the case history and applicable law.
What information helps begin an international case?
Useful information may include the support order, payment history, the other parent’s overseas address, employment details, date of birth, identification numbers, and information about assets.
Speak With a California Family Law Attorney
International child support cases may involve California law, federal procedures, foreign enforcement rules, and international agreements. The correct process depends on where each parent lives and whether the foreign country cooperates with the United States.
Her Lawyer, A Professional Law Corporation, is a California law firm founded by David Hakimfar, Esq. The firm’s family law attorneys can evaluate an international support matter. Contact Her Lawyer directly to request a consultation.