All About Going to Court

Hearings involving the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) are held in Department 7 of the Hall of Justice, located at 2610 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130. Lassen County Superior Court

Frequently Asked Question

Where should I park?

There is plenty of parking at the Hall of Justice.  Parking is not metered.

Security

It is illegal to bring weaponry into the courthouse.  Law enforcement officers will scan your person with metal detectors as you enter the courthouse.  Any metal objects on your body must be removed and inspected, including belt buckles, steel-toed shoes, all phones and chargers

What should I bring to court?

  • Income information
    • A current paystub from your job, unemployment, disability, worker's compensation, etc.
    • A copy of your last tax return
    • A current profit & loss statement if you're self-employed
  • Copies of court documents
    • Notice(s) of Motion
    • Responsive Declaration(s)
    • Income & Expense Declaration(s)
  • Your child support record of payment, audit, or other accounting, if available
  • Four (4) copies of any document you want to present to the court as evidence, such as
    • child care receipts
    • medical bills
    • log of visitation time with child(ren)

Who may come to court with me?

  • The courtroom is public so anyone, except children, may attend a hearing
  • Only you or your attorney may address the court during the hearing. Let the DCSS attorney know if you have a witness you want to testify
  • Minors (children under 18 years of age) are not allowed in the courtroom, and there is no childcare available at the courthouse

Where do I go and what do I do, once I get to the courthouse?

  • Enter through the main doors, place any bags, jackets or other items on the conveyor - they and you will pass through a metal detector on your way into the building
  • Department 7 is upstairs on the right side.If you use the elevator, as you step out of the lift turn right and walk to the end of the hallway.  Department 7 is on the right
  • Silence your cell phone, enter the courtroom, and take a seat
  • DCSS staff is available to speak with you prior to court being called by the bailiff

How much will I have to pay?

  • DCSS and the court both use a computer program called Guideline Calculator to calculate appropriate child support payments, based on factors including gross income (before taxes), tax filing status, visitation, child care costs, health insurance costs, union dues, etc
  • You can us the Guideline Calculator  get an estimate of what you'll owe.

What if I don't have an Attorney?

Even though the DCSS attorney doesn't represent you or the other party, he or she will introduce the case, explain why we're here and where the two parties agree and disagree.  You'll have a chance to address the court and explain your position.

What if I can't attend the hearing because I live too far away?

With advance approval from the Court, parties can sometime participate in their court hearing by telephone. For more information on how to request a telephone appearance, please review the Instructions for Requesting a Telephone Appearance, and be sure to file form FL-679 with the Lassen County Superior Court Clerk's Office, no later than 12 days before the court hearing.

Can I change the date of my hearing?

  • There are very few reasons that qualify to change your court date - no guarantees.
  • The court can proceed with the hearing, even if you're not there.
  • You should make every effort to be available on the date scheduled.
  • If DCSS filed the Notice of Motion, you can contact DCSS and ask if the court date can be changed.

What happens after court?

  • If today's hearing results in the modification of an existing order, it may take several weeks to see the change in your payment
  • If hearings are finished early, the DCSS attorney or a child support specialist may be available to explain your order and answer questions.
  • Call, drop in, or e-mail DCSS to discuss your order
  • Login to Customer Connect self-service child support information system