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In what ways can California parents pay child support?

In California, after a couple separates or divorces, a child support order will be entered into if the couple has children. This order dictates how much child support the noncustodial parent will have to pay per month to the custodial parent. Once a child support order is established in Orange County, it is important that payments are made in full and on time. There are a variety of ways in which a noncustodial parent can pay child support.

First of all, child support payments can be paid online using a debit card, credit card, checking account or savings account. While parents can choose whether or not to register when paying child support online, there are some advantages to registering. By doing so, the paying parent is able to schedule future dated and recurring payments, as well as store their debit card, credit card or bank account information. In addition, parents can make an electronic payment by phone or by mobile app.

If desired, a parent can also make a payment by mail. This is a possibility only if a local child support agency is managing the parent's case. These payments can be made by check or money order. In addition, certain child support agencies accept child support payments made either at a kiosk or over the counter.

Finally, child support payments can be made in cash by using MoneyGram at one of 18 retail stores in California. To make a cash payment, the paying parent will need to have their state child support participant identification number on hand. Cash payments can also be made using PayNearMe at certain locations, such as 7-Elevens, ACE Cash Express stores and Family Dollar locations. To use this option, the paying parent needs to obtain a barcode from either the state child support website or the parent's area child support office. The barcode will be scanned and can be used to make payments again in the future.

As you can see, parents in California have a variety of options when it comes to paying child support. In the end, no matter how payments are made, it is important for the child's sake that the payments are not delinquent so that the child can be properly cared for.

Source: California Department of Child Support Services, "Noncustodial Parent FAQs," Accessed August 16, 2016

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