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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 9Pt. 2Ch. 2Art. 3§ 4201 Child Support Payment Orders

§ 4201 Child Support Payment Orders

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4201 Child Support Payment Orders

This law says that when a court orders someone to pay child support, the payments can be sent to a special county officer or a state unit instead of directly to the parent. It also lets the local child support agency help enforce the order if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • •Child support payments can be sent to a county officer or state unit, not just the parent.
  • •The local child support agency can help make sure the payments are made.
  • •This helps keep track of payments and makes sure the money goes to the right place.

Example

A parent is ordered by the court to pay child support to the other parent.

Instead of paying the other parent directly, the court can say the money must go to a county officer or a state unit. If the parent doesn’t pay, the local child support agency can step in to make sure the money is paid.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4201 Child Support Payment Orders

In any proceeding where a court makes or has made an order requiring the payment of child support to the person having custody of a child for whom support may be ordered, the court may do either or both of the following: (a) Direct that the payments shall be made to the county officer designated by the court for that purpose. Once the State Disbursement Unit is implemented pursuant to Section 17309, all payments shall be directed to the State Disbursement Unit instead of the county officer designated by the court. (b) Direct the local child support agency to appear on behalf of the minor children in any proceeding to enforce the order. (Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 387, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2004.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

child supportState Disbursement Unitlocal child support agency

Related Statutes

  • § 4200 Child Support Payment Routing
  • § 4204 Child Support Payment Direction
  • § 17404 Child Support Enforcement Actions
  • § 17415 Child Support Referral Duty
  • § 17430 Child Support Default Judgment

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 4201.
View Official Source