The DCSS and You
The DCSS does not represent either the parents or the child(ren), and our attorneys are
not your attorneys. Because you are not a legal client, the information you provide is not
confidential under the attorney/client privelege. The information in your case may be
discussed or disclosed to other public agencies that are authorized by law to receive such
information, the other parent's employer and to the other parent or her/his attorney to
the extent required by law. See "How the DCSS Handles
Confidential Information" below.
By law, the DCSS has the final decision on what child support enforcement actions will
be taken, even if the custodial parent disagrees. Parents have the right to seek legal
advice from a private attorney or legal aid group at their own expense at any time.
Seeking Alternative Legal Assistance
In addition to the Humboldt County Child Support Division, private attorneys and legal
clinics can provide legal assistance in child support cases.
A private attorney can provide personalized services to parents. They can give as much
time to a case as is necessary to do an effective job. The biggest drawback is expense. A
private attorney will charge for the time required for personal interviews, telephone
calls, legal research, court appearances, and the preparation of pleadings. If the
custodial party cannot afford an attorney, the noncustodial parent may be ordered to pay
reasonable attorney fees and court costs. However, it is up to the judge to decide how
much, if any, of the legal fees the noncustodial parent may be ordered to pay.
Services offered by a legal clinic may cost less than those provided by a private
attorney. Legal clinics may charge for services based on the actual time spent on a case
or on a contingency fee basis.
Family Law Facilitator's Office
There is a free legal service available to those clients representing themselves in
child support issues. The Family Law Facilitator's Office can be reached by calling
the Family Law Self Help Center at (707) 269-1223. Clients are seen by appointment only.
Contact Information
Facilitator: Barret Brown
Mailing address: 825 Fifth Street, Suite 236, Eureka, California 95501
Phone: (707) 269-1210; FAX: (707) 445-7632
Days and Hours of Operation
The Family Law Facilitator office is open Monday through Friday; the
self-help center is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Services Provided
Individual meetings by appointment; child support mediation; self-help
center with sample forms, videotapes, books, and brochures.
Additional Services
Attorney referrals (both pro bono and sliding scale); outreach to domestic
violence groups.
By law, the records kept by our office are strictly confidential and may not be seen
without a court order by the custodial parents, the children, or the noncustodial parent.
However, you are entitled to see:
 | Any document you provided to the Child Support Division |
| Your payment history |
| Any record legally defined as a "public record" |
Frequently Asked Questions
