Puja Sachdev | September 22, 2026 | Child Support
A child support meeting in San Diego may involve discussing your income, parenting schedule, expenses, or an existing support order. What happens depends on the type of case and why child support is being addressed.
For example, cases involving the San Diego Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) may include a required meeting before a court hearing. Other parents may meet with an attorney or seek help through court services. Knowing what information may be discussed can help you prepare.
What Is a Child Support Meeting?
“Child support meeting” can refer to several parts of the child support process. If DCSS is involved in a Family Support Division case, the parties must participate in a pre-court meet and confer with DCSS. The San Diego Superior Court states that DCSS conducts this meeting by phone or video before the hearing.
Parents may also meet with the Family Law Facilitator for general legal information and help with forms. The facilitator is a neutral court resource and does not represent either parent.
Understanding what type of meeting you have is an important first step.
What Information Will Be Discussed?
California uses a statewide guideline to calculate child support. The calculation considers information about both parents, including their income and how much time they spend with their children.
Depending on the purpose of the meeting, topics may include:
- Each parent’s income
- The current parenting schedule
- Child care expenses
- Health insurance
- Changes in employment
- An existing child support order
- Other financial information relevant to support
If a parent is seeking a modification, changes in income, custody, visitation, or family circumstances may be particularly important.
Accurate information can help ensure that the support issue is evaluated using the facts of the case.
What Documents Should You Bring?
The documents you need will depend on the meeting. For financial matters, the San Diego Superior Court advises people seeking assistance from the Family Law Facilitator to bring proof of income for the past 12 months, recent pay stubs, the latest federal tax return, W-2 forms, and relevant court orders.
Other records may also be useful, depending on the issue. For example, California Child Support Services identifies proof of child care expenses, medical insurance, and current custody and visitation arrangements as relevant when requesting a support review.
Organizing these records beforehand can make it easier to answer questions about your finances and family circumstances.
How Is Child Support Calculated in California?
California courts use a guideline formula to calculate child support. Income and parenting time are important parts of that calculation, along with other factors recognized under state law.
Because the calculation depends on financial and parenting information, accurate records matter. A change in income or the amount of time a child spends with each parent can also affect whether an existing support order should be reviewed.
The California Child Support Guideline Calculator can provide an estimate, but the amount ordered by the court depends on the information presented in the case.
What Happens During a DCSS Meet and Confer?
For San Diego Family Support Division cases involving DCSS, a meet and confer takes place before the court hearing. DCSS contacts the parties before the hearing, so parents should keep their current phone number and email address on file.
During the meet and confer, the parties communicate with DCSS before the scheduled court hearing.
The meeting itself does not necessarily mean every disputed issue will be resolved. Further instructions for participating in the court hearing are provided as part of the process.
Should You Speak with a Child Support Attorney Before the Meeting?
Child support matters can involve detailed financial information and court procedures. An attorney can review the purpose of the meeting, existing orders, financial records, and issues that may affect the support calculation.
Legal guidance may be particularly useful when parents disagree about income, parenting time, expenses, arrears, or whether an existing order should be modified.
Preparing before the meeting can also help you understand what information may be relevant and what may happen afterward.
Contact the San Diego Child Support Attorneys at San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC for Help Today
A child support meeting can affect important financial issues for both parents and their children. Understanding the purpose of the meeting and preparing the right information can help you approach the process with fewer uncertainties.
San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC can review your child support matter and explain how California law applies to your circumstances. Contact us today at (619) 866-3756 for a complimentary case evaluation with a San Diego child support attorney.
We proudly serve throughout San Diego County. We are located in San Diego, California.
San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC
2851 Camino del Rio S #430
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 866-3756
