California Form FL-624, the Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Child Support, is the legal document that tells an employer or other income payor to deduct court-ordered child support from a parent’s wages and send those funds to the California State Disbursement Unit. It is issued by a California court or a local child support agency (LCSA) and served on the income withholder, who must begin withholding within 10 days of receipt under California Family Code § 5232.
The order is the engine that moves child support from a paycheck to a child. According to the federal Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), income withholding accounts for roughly 75% of all child support collected nationwide, and California alone collects more than $2.4 billion per year through wage assignments. A single missed box, a wrong date, or a misread CCPA limit can cost an employer up to $500 per pay period under California Family Code § 5241, so getting FL-624 right protects everyone in the chain.
Here is what this guide will give you:
- 📄 A line-by-line walkthrough of every field, box, and signature block on FL-624
- ⚖️ The exact California statutes and federal rules that govern each section
- 👥 Three full named-person scenarios showing what real employers and parents enter
- 💵 The precise CCPA withholding limits and how to apply them when paychecks change
- ⏰ Filing, service, and remittance deadlines plus the penalties for missing them
What Form FL-624 Is and Who Must File It
California Form FL-624 is the Judicial Council of California form titled Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Child Support. It mirrors the federal Income Withholding for Support (IWO) form required by 42 U.S.C. § 666(b)(6) and is the document California uses to direct employers to deduct child support from a parent’s pay.
The form is issued, not “filed” by a parent in the traditional sense. A California family court, an LCSA, or in some cases a private attorney prepares FL-624 after the underlying support order is entered, then serves it on the employer or income payor of the person who owes support (the obligor). The employer is the party with the heaviest duty: receive, read, withhold, and remit.
Three groups interact with FL-624 every day. Employers and payroll administrators must implement the order. Custodial parents (obligees) often request issuance through their LCSA. Noncustodial parents (obligors) see the deduction on their pay stub and need to understand why. The form’s revision date is printed in the bottom-left corner; always confirm you are working from the current Judicial Council version posted on the official forms page.
The legal backbone is California Family Code §§ 5230–5242, which create the wage assignment, set the 10-day start rule, and impose employer penalties. The federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) caps how much can be taken from disposable earnings. When the obligor works outside California, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) controls which state’s law governs which fields.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Before anyone — court clerk, LCSA caseworker, attorney, or employer — touches FL-624, gather every piece of information the form will demand. Missing data is the single biggest cause of rejected or unenforceable orders. The California DCSS Employer Resource Center lists the data points every order must carry.
Use this pre-filing checklist. If any item is missing, stop and find it before drafting.
- Underlying support order. You need the case number, county, and date of the most recent child support judgment, because FL-624 is meaningless without it; without the order, the employer has no legal basis to withhold.
- Obligor’s full legal name, SSN, and date of birth. The Social Security Administration cross-checks names; a mismatch parks the order in employer limbo.
- Obligor’s current employer name, FEIN, and payroll address. Service on the wrong address voids the 10-day clock.
- Obligee’s full legal name and current address. Required for UIFSA tracking and for any direct-pay scenarios.
- Child(ren)’s names and dates of birth. The order must identify each supported child to survive an emancipation challenge.
- Current monthly support amount and arrears balance. These two numbers go into different boxes; mixing them triggers overwithholding.
- California State Disbursement Unit (SDU) FIPS code (0600006). Without the right FIPS, electronic remittance bounces.
- Health insurance and medical support details. If a National Medical Support Notice (NMSN) is attached, the employer must coordinate both forms.
- Date the order was signed by the court or LCSA. This date sets the effective date and the 10-day clock.
- Lump sum reporting trigger. California requires employers to report bonuses or lump sums of $150 or more before paying them.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
FL-624 lives on the California Courts forms portal as a fillable PDF. The Judicial Council updates the form when federal OMB revises the underlying IWO; the current version carries an OMB control number in the upper-right corner that you should match against the federal IWO instructions before serving.
LCSAs generate FL-624 automatically through the California Child Support Automated System (CCSAS), which auto-populates case data from the parent’s file. Private attorneys typically use a forms-automation product or download the blank PDF and fill it by typing into the fields. Pro se parents can also download and complete the form, though most courts require a judge’s or commissioner’s signature before service.
Employers do not download FL-624 to fill out — they receive it. But they should bookmark the DCSS employer portal for remittance instructions and the federal e-IWO program if they want to receive future orders electronically rather than by paper service.
The form is free. There is no Judicial Council filing fee for FL-624 itself, though the underlying support action carries the standard family-law filing fee. Print FL-624 single-sided on white 8.5”×11” paper if you must serve a paper copy; double-sided printing causes scanner problems at large payroll departments.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out California Form FL-624 Line by Line
FL-624 is a two-page form organized into a header block, an income-withholder block, an employee/obligor block, an order-information block, a remittance block, and a notification/signature block. Each H3 below walks one field, with the six elements every filer needs.
Top-Right Box: Date
The form opens with a single date field in the top-right corner. This is the date FL-624 is issued, not the date of the underlying support order.
Enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format using digits only, never spelled out.
Example: a court clerk in Sacramento issuing the order on March 14, 2026 writes 03/14/2026.
If the order is generated by an LCSA’s automated system, the system stamps the date for you; do not overwrite it. If you draft FL-624 today but mail it tomorrow, use today’s date because the date controls the order’s effective period for record-keeping.
The most common mistake is using the date of the underlying judgment instead of the issuance date, which makes the employer think the order is stale and may delay withholding.
A frequent misconception is that the date of the order is the date withholding starts; it is not. Withholding starts the first pay period after the employer receives the order, not the date in this box.
Check Boxes at the Top: Original IWO, Amended IWO, One-Time Order, Termination
Just under the date are four check boxes that classify the order. Exactly one must be checked.
Check Original IWO for a brand-new order, Amended IWO if you are replacing a prior order with new amounts, One-Time Order for a single lump-sum capture (a bonus, settlement, or commission), and Termination of IWO to end an existing order.
Example: payroll receives an amended order increasing Carlos’s monthly support from $650 to $812 after a modification hearing; the issuer checks Amended IWO.
A common edge case is when arrears are paid off but ongoing support continues; do not check Termination, because ongoing support keeps the order alive.
The most common mistake is checking Original IWO on a modification, which causes the employer to stack two orders and overwithhold.
A widespread misconception is that One-Time Order is for first-time filers; it is actually for one-time withholdings, like a bonus. First-time filers check Original IWO.
“State/Tribe/Territory” Field
This field identifies the issuing jurisdiction. For FL-624, you write California.
Type the full state name; do not abbreviate to CA because federal e-IWO processing requires the full name.
Example: the Los Angeles Superior Court enters California.
If the order is being forwarded under UIFSA from another state’s tribunal that adopted California’s enforcement, that state still goes here, not California. Read California Family Code § 5700.501 for the interstate rule.
The most common mistake is writing the obligor’s state of residence instead of the issuing state, which voids the order’s authority.
A common misconception is that “tribe” means Native heritage; it actually means a federally recognized tribal court that issued the order.
“Remittance Identifier” Field
The Remittance Identifier is the number the SDU uses to route the payment to the right case. In California, this is the participant ID or case number assigned by CCSAS.
Enter the number exactly as it appears on the LCSA notice; no spaces, no dashes unless the original includes them.
Example: an Orange County LCSA case shows 000123456789; the issuer types those 12 digits.
If the case has both a court case number and a CCSAS participant number, use the CCSAS number because the SDU’s banking system reads that field.
The most common mistake is entering the family law case number (like 26FL000123); the SDU rejects the payment and the funds float for weeks.
A misconception is that any unique identifier works; only the SDU-recognized number routes correctly.
“CSE Agency Case Identifier”
CSE stands for Child Support Enforcement. This is the LCSA’s internal case number.
Enter the LCSA case number as shown on agency correspondence.
Example: San Diego County LCSA case DCS-2026-44781 goes in verbatim.
When a private attorney issues FL-624 without LCSA involvement, this field stays blank or holds the court case number.
The most common mistake is duplicating the Remittance Identifier here, which confuses the SDU’s reconciliation.
A misconception is that this is the obligor’s SSN; the SSN has its own field below.
“Order Identifier”
The Order Identifier is the court case number that controls the underlying judgment.
Write the family-law case number from the upper-right of the underlying support order.
Example: 26FL000123 for a 2026 family-law case.
If the case has been transferred between counties, use the current county’s case number, because the new county now has jurisdiction.
The most common mistake is using an old case number after a venue change, which sends inquiries to a county that no longer holds the file.
A misconception is that this number must match the Remittance Identifier; they are different fields with different functions.
Income Withholder’s Name and Address
This block identifies the employer or other income payor.
Write the exact legal name of the employer as registered with the California Secretary of State, followed by the payroll department’s mailing address.
Example: Acme Manufacturing, Inc., 100 Industrial Way, Fresno, CA 93706.
If the employer is a staffing agency leasing the obligor to a worksite, the staffing agency goes here because they cut the paycheck. Read the DOL employer guide for the legal-payor test.
The most common mistake is entering the worksite or DBA name instead of the legal entity, which delays service and starts the 10-day clock late.
A misconception is that an HR contact name belongs here; only the entity name and address belong in this block.
Income Withholder’s FEIN
The Federal Employer Identification Number is the IRS-issued nine-digit ID for the employer.
Enter the FEIN with the dash: XX-XXXXXXX.
Example: 94-1234567.
If the employer is a sole proprietorship without an FEIN, leave the field blank and write Sole Prop in the margin; do not substitute an SSN.
The most common mistake is using the obligor’s SSN here, which scrambles federal e-IWO matching.
A misconception is that FEIN is optional; for any incorporated employer it is mandatory under federal IWO rules.
Employee/Obligor’s Name, SSN, and Date of Birth
This block identifies the parent who owes support.
Enter the obligor’s full legal name (last, first, middle) exactly as it appears on their Social Security card; SSN as XXX-XX-XXXX; date of birth as MM/DD/YYYY.
Example: Lopez, Carlos M., 555-44-3333, 06/22/1988.
If the obligor uses a different name at work (a stage name, a maiden name, a nickname), still use the legal name; the employer matches on SSN, not name.
The most common mistake is entering a nickname (Charlie instead of Carlos), which can cause the employer to deny knowledge of the employee.
A misconception is that the SSN is optional for privacy reasons; federal IWO requires it under 45 C.F.R. § 303.100.
Custodial Party/Obligee’s Name
This block identifies the parent receiving support.
Enter the obligee’s full legal name; their address is generally not required on FL-624 because payments route to the SDU.
Example: Garcia, Maria E.
If the case involves a state agency as obligee (because the child received public assistance), enter the agency’s name, like County of Alameda, Department of Child Support Services.
The most common mistake is including the obligee’s home address here; it does not belong on the form and exposes the obligee unnecessarily.
A misconception is that obligee bank information goes on FL-624; it never does. The SDU handles disbursement separately.
Child(ren)’s Names and Birth Dates
This block lists every child the order covers.
Enter each child’s full legal name and date of birth on its own line, formatted MM/DD/YYYY.
Example: Lopez, Sofia A., 04/11/2018; Lopez, Diego R., 09/02/2020.
If a child has aged out (typically 18, or 19 if still in high school under California Family Code § 3901), they should not appear; including them invites a motion to terminate.
The most common mistake is listing stepchildren or unrelated dependents, which makes the order voidable.
A misconception is that birth dates are optional; without them, the employer cannot calculate emancipation timing.
Order Information: Current Child Support
This is the headline number — the monthly current child support amount.
Enter the dollar amount per the underlying order, then convert it to per-pay-period if the employer’s pay cycle is not monthly.
Example: court ordered $812.00 per month; the issuer writes $812.00 and notes the per-pay-period equivalent for a bi-weekly payroll ($812.00 × 12 ÷ 26 = $374.77).
If the order is stated as a percentage of income (rare in California), spell out the percentage and the income base.
The most common mistake is entering a weekly amount in a monthly box, which causes massive underwithholding.
A misconception is that the employer can choose the pay-period conversion; California requires the exact method in the order.
Order Information: Past-Due Child Support (Arrears)
The arrears line captures any back support owed.
Enter the arrears amount and the per-pay-period payment toward arrears.
Example: arrears of $4,500.00, paid down at $100.00 per month.
If the obligor is current and there are no arrears, enter $0.00 — do not leave blank, because a blank field reads as “unknown” to many payroll systems.
The most common mistake is rolling arrears into the current support figure; this voids the CCPA cap analysis because arrears get a higher cap (55% or 65%).
A misconception is that arrears are optional to collect; under California Family Code § 5246, the LCSA can compel collection.
Order Information: Medical Support
Medical support is health insurance for the child(ren).
Check the box if the obligor is ordered to provide health coverage and indicate the cash medical amount, if any.
Example: Provide health coverage; cash medical $50.00 per month.
If a separate NMSN is also being served, note that on FL-624 so the employer coordinates both.
The most common mistake is leaving this section blank when the underlying order includes medical support, which lets the child go uninsured.
A misconception is that medical support is part of the CCPA limit calculation only sometimes; it always counts toward the cap.
Order Information: Other Support and Total Amount to Withhold
This block captures spousal support (if any) and the grand total to deduct.
Add current support, arrears, medical, and any spousal-support add-on; write the per-pay-period total.
Example: $374.77 + $46.15 + $23.08 = $444.00 bi-weekly.
If the total exceeds the CCPA cap (50%, 55%, 60%, or 65% of disposable earnings depending on the obligor’s situation), the employer must withhold only up to the cap and prorate.
The most common mistake is failing to apply the CCPA cap, which is illegal under 15 U.S.C. § 1673.
A misconception is that California’s 50% cap (under Family Code § 706.052) overrides the federal cap; the lower of the two governs.
Remittance Information: SDU Address and FIPS Code
This block tells the employer where to send the money.
Write California State Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 989067, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067 and FIPS code 0600006.
Example: a payroll clerk in Bakersfield mails the check to CA SDU, P.O. Box 989067, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067, EFT routed via FIPS 0600006.
If the employer pays electronically (which California strongly prefers), they use the SDU’s EFT/EDI portal and reference the FIPS code in the addenda record.
The most common mistake is mailing to the obligee directly; under Family Code § 5230(a)(2), funds must go through the SDU when an LCSA case exists.
A misconception is that the employer can keep an administrative fee out of withholdings; California allows only $1.50 per payment under Family Code § 5235.
Date of First Withholding
This line tells the employer when to start.
The order says “the next pay period that occurs after [10 days from receipt]”; the issuer leaves the exact date for the employer to compute.
Example: employer receives the order 03/15/2026, the next pay period after 03/25/2026 is 03/27/2026; that is the start date.
If the obligor has multiple pay cycles (regular wages plus monthly commissions), withholding starts on the first cycle that hits the 10-day mark.
The most common mistake is starting withholding immediately on receipt; that violates the 10-day cushion that protects employer payroll cycles.
A misconception is that the employer can wait until the next month to start; they cannot wait past the first pay period after 10 days.
Lump Sum Payments
Below the regular withholding block is the lump sum reporting field.
Check the box if the employer must report and withhold from bonuses, commissions, severance, or other lump sums of $150 or more, per California Family Code § 5246(b)(2).
Example: Carlos receives a $3,000 year-end bonus; the employer reports it to the LCSA before paying and withholds the full arrears balance up to the CCPA cap.
If the obligor has no arrears, the employer still reports but typically withholds only ongoing support pro-rata.
The most common mistake is paying the bonus first and reporting after, which can be treated as evasion under California enforcement rules.
A misconception is that the $150 threshold is per employer policy; it is set by statute and cannot be raised.
Notification of Employment Termination or Income Status
The form requires the employer to notify the issuer when employment ends.
Write the issuer’s contact information clearly so the employer knows where to send the termination notice.
Example: San Joaquin County DCSS, 1825 N. California St., Stockton, CA 95202.
If the obligor is laid off but expected to be rehired (seasonal work), the employer should still report the termination; the order will be re-served on rehire.
The most common mistake is failing to notify within the promptly standard (California reads this as within 10 days), which can trigger employer liability.
A misconception is that termination ends the order; it only suspends withholding while there is no income.
Signature, Title, and Date of Issuing Official
The bottom of FL-624 carries the signature of the judge, commissioner, or LCSA representative.
The official signs in ink (or applies an authorized e-signature), prints their title, and dates the signature.
Example: Hon. Patricia Nguyen, Commissioner, 03/14/2026.
If the order is generated electronically by CCSAS, the system stamps an authorized signature; that stamp is legally equivalent under Government Code § 16.5.
The most common mistake is serving an unsigned FL-624; an unsigned order is unenforceable and the employer should not withhold.
A misconception is that an attorney can sign FL-624; only a court officer or authorized LCSA official can.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three scenario tables using named filers. Each shows what the issuer or employer enters in the most important sections.
Scenario 1: Carlos Lopez, California W-2 Employee at Acme Manufacturing
Carlos earns $5,200/month gross at a Fresno factory. The Fresno County LCSA issues FL-624 for $812 current support and $100/month arrears.
| Form Section | What the Issuer Enters |
|---|---|
| Date | 03/14/2026 |
| Order Type | Original IWO checked |
| State/Tribe | California |
| Remittance Identifier | 000123456789 |
| Income Withholder | Acme Manufacturing, Inc., 100 Industrial Way, Fresno, CA 93706 |
| FEIN | 94-1234567 |
| Employee/Obligor | Lopez, Carlos M., 555-44-3333, 06/22/1988 |
| Children | Sofia A. Lopez 04/11/2018; Diego R. Lopez 09/02/2020 |
| Current Support | $812.00/month |
| Arrears | $4,500.00 balance, $100.00/month |
| SDU + FIPS | CA SDU, P.O. Box 989067, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067; 0600006 |
| Signature | Hon. Patricia Nguyen, Commissioner, 03/14/2026 |
Scenario 2: Janet Reyes, Out-of-State Employer Under UIFSA
Janet lives in California; her ex-husband Mark works for a Nevada casino. California issues FL-624; Nevada must honor it under UIFSA.
| Form Section | What the Issuer Enters |
|---|---|
| Date | 04/02/2026 |
| Order Type | Original IWO checked |
| State/Tribe | California |
| Remittance Identifier | 000987654321 |
| Income Withholder | Silver Strike Casino LLC, 4500 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119 |
| FEIN | 88-9876543 |
| Employee/Obligor | Reyes, Mark D., 444-33-2222, 11/05/1985 |
| Children | Ava Reyes 02/14/2015 |
| Current Support | $675.00/month |
| CCPA Note | Nevada applies California’s 50% cap because the obligor supports a second family |
| SDU + FIPS | CA SDU, P.O. Box 989067, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067; 0600006 |
| Signature | San Bernardino County DCSS, authorized stamp, 04/02/2026 |
Scenario 3: Aisha Brown, Self-Employed 1099 Contractor
Aisha’s ex, Marcus, is a 1099 graphic designer paid by a single recurring client, PixelHaus Studios. California treats the client as the income payor.
| Form Section | What the Issuer Enters |
|---|---|
| Date | 05/10/2026 |
| Order Type | Original IWO checked |
| State/Tribe | California |
| Remittance Identifier | 000556677889 |
| Income Withholder | PixelHaus Studios LLC, 88 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105 |
| FEIN | 46-1122334 |
| Employee/Obligor | Brown, Marcus T., 333-22-1111, 08/19/1990 |
| Children | Jaden Brown 12/01/2019 |
| Current Support | $540.00/month |
| Lump Sum Box | Checked, because contract pays quarterly bonuses |
| SDU + FIPS | CA SDU, P.O. Box 989067, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067; 0600006 |
| Signature | Hon. Daniel Kim, Judge, 05/10/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
FL-624 is served, not “filed” with a clerk after issuance. The court or LCSA delivers it to the employer through one of four channels, and the employer must implement it on receipt.
Mail. Most LCSAs send FL-624 by first-class U.S. mail to the employer’s payroll address. There is no fee. Processing time is the 10-day window before withholding begins. The employer should keep the postmarked envelope as proof of receipt date.
Electronic Income Withholding (e-IWO). California participates in the federal e-IWO program administered by OCSS. Employers register at no cost, receive orders as flat files or PDFs, and acknowledge receipt the same day. This is the fastest channel and California’s preferred method for large employers.
In-Person Service. A process server or sheriff’s deputy may hand-serve FL-624 at the employer’s registered office. Fees vary by county (typically $40–$100). Proof of filing is the server’s Proof of Service form filed with the issuing court. The employer’s 10-day clock starts on the date of personal service.
Fax. Some California courts and LCSAs still accept faxed orders to large employers’ payroll fax lines. There is no fee. Processing time matches mail. The employer should print and retain the fax confirmation as proof of receipt.
Regardless of channel, the employer must remit withheld funds to the SDU within 7 business days of the pay date under California Family Code § 5235(c). Employers paying via EFT/EDI get the fastest reconciliation; paper checks take longer to post.
What Happens After You File
Once FL-624 is served, the order takes on a life of its own. The employer must implement it, the obligor will see deductions, the SDU will route money, and the obligee will receive payments — usually within two to four weeks of the first deduction.
The employer’s first deduction must occur in the first pay period after 10 days from receipt under Family Code § 5232. The employer remits to the SDU within 7 business days. The SDU posts to the obligee’s account, then disburses to the obligee by direct deposit or EPPICard.
The obligor may contest the order by filing a Request to Modify or a Claim of Exemption if withholding causes hardship. Filing a contest does not stop withholding; the order continues until a court orders otherwise.
If the employer fails to withhold, the obligor’s income passes untouched, but the employer becomes personally liable for the missed amounts plus penalties under Family Code § 5241. The LCSA can sue the employer directly. Most employer liability cases settle, but the underlying debt is nondischargeable.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Each mistake below has caused real cases to stall, employers to be fined, or families to go without support.
- Using the wrong revision date of FL-624. An outdated form may be rejected by federal e-IWO matching, delaying withholding by weeks.
- Entering the obligor’s nickname. Payroll cannot match to the SSA record and may deny knowing the employee.
- Mismatching SSN digits. A single transposed digit voids the federal cross-check and can delay implementation indefinitely.
- Listing arrears in the current support box. This causes the employer to overwithhold and triggers a CCPA cap violation.
- Forgetting the FIPS code 0600006. The SDU cannot route the EFT and the funds float in suspense.
- Naming the worksite instead of the legal employer. Service is invalid and the 10-day clock never starts.
- Skipping the medical support box. The child loses health coverage and the LCSA may pursue contempt.
- Failing to check the lump sum box. The employer pays a bonus without reporting and faces personal liability.
- Sending payments to the obligee directly. Violates Family Code § 5230 and exposes the employer to double payment.
- Withholding more than the CCPA cap. Violates federal law and can trigger a DOL Wage and Hour complaint.
- Starting withholding immediately upon receipt instead of after 10 days. Strips the obligor of statutory transition time and may overdraft their bank account.
- Ignoring termination notification. Leaves the LCSA chasing a ghost employee and creates employer liability.
Do’s and Don’ts
These rules separate clean compliance from costly errors.
- Do verify the form’s revision date against the Judicial Council page before serving, because outdated forms get bounced.
- Do match obligor names to the Social Security card exactly, since payroll matches on SSN-name pairs.
- Do remit to the SDU within 7 business days, because slower remittance triggers interest charges to the employer.
- Do keep the receipt envelope or e-IWO timestamp, because it proves the start of the 10-day clock.
- Do coordinate FL-624 with any NMSN, because medical and cash support fall under the same CCPA cap.
- Do contact the DCSS Employer Resource Center when in doubt, because misreading the order is more expensive than a phone call.
- Don’t pay the obligee directly, because it violates state law and the employer remains liable to the SDU.
- Don’t add an administrative fee greater than $1.50 per payment, because Family Code § 5235 caps it.
- Don’t delay withholding beyond the first pay period after 10 days, because every missed period creates employer liability.
- Don’t discriminate, fire, or refuse to hire an employee because of an FL-624; doing so violates Family Code § 5251.
- Don’t assume bankruptcy stops withholding, because child support is non-dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(5).
- Don’t stop withholding on your own when the obligor protests; only a court or the issuing agency can pause the order.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
For parents deciding whether to handle FL-624 issuance pro se, through an LCSA, or with private counsel, weigh these factors.
Pros of going through the LCSA.
- LCSA services are free under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, saving thousands in attorney fees.
- The LCSA generates FL-624 automatically through CCSAS, eliminating drafting errors.
- The LCSA handles service on the employer, cutting weeks off implementation.
- The LCSA enforces against noncompliant employers, using state legal resources.
- The LCSA coordinates interstate enforcement under UIFSA without extra cost.
Cons of going through the LCSA.
- LCSA caseloads are large, so non-emergency requests may take weeks.
- The LCSA represents the state’s interest, not the parent personally.
- Communication is often slow and form-driven.
- The LCSA cannot pursue spousal support — only child support and cash medical.
- The LCSA may take a portion of arrears if the family received public assistance, under Family Code § 17402.
How FL-624 Compares to Related Forms
Several California forms get confused with FL-624. The table below clarifies the differences.
| Form | What It Does |
|---|---|
| FL-624 | Orders the employer to withhold child support from wages |
| FL-195 | Older income withholding order, replaced by FL-624 in many counties for IV-D cases |
| WG-004 | General earnings withholding for civil judgments, not child support |
| NMSN | Federal notice requiring an employer to enroll the child in health coverage |
| FL-300 | Request for Order used to modify or terminate the underlying support order |
Key Agencies and Statutes That Govern FL-624
The form sits at a crossroads of state and federal authority. The California Department of Child Support Services administers the program statewide; the 47 local child support agencies handle day-to-day case management. The Judicial Council of California maintains the FL-624 form itself.
On the federal side, the Office of Child Support Services sets the IWO standard FL-624 follows. The U.S. Department of Labor enforces the CCPA caps. The Internal Revenue Service coordinates federal tax refund offsets when arrears reach $500 (TANF) or $150 (non-TANF).
Statutes that shape every line of FL-624 include California Family Code §§ 5230–5242, 42 U.S.C. § 666, and 15 U.S.C. § 1673. The case In re Marriage of Trainotti (1989) 212 Cal.App.3d 1072 confirmed that wage assignments are mandatory in child support cases, the precedent that drives California’s strong-enforcement posture today.
FAQs
Is FL-624 the same as the federal IWO form?
Yes. FL-624 is California’s adoption of the federal Income Withholding for Support form, with California-specific routing details added. Employers in any state must honor it.
Do I have to use FL-624 if my LCSA already has the order?
Yes. The LCSA generates and serves FL-624 on the employer; the parent does not separately fill it out. The LCSA’s automated system handles drafting and service.
What goes in the Remittance Identifier box if I have multiple case numbers?
Yes, use only the CCSAS participant number. No other identifier routes correctly through the SDU’s banking system.
Can my employer charge me a fee for processing FL-624?
Yes, but only up to $1.50 per payment under Family Code § 5235. Anything more is unlawful.
Do I write the obligee’s home address on FL-624?
No. The obligee’s address does not belong on FL-624. Payments route through the SDU, which protects the obligee’s location.
Can I list my stepchild in the children’s section?
No. Only children covered by the underlying support order belong on FL-624. Listing others can void the order.
Does the employer start withholding the day they get FL-624?
No. Withholding starts the first pay period after 10 days from receipt, under Family Code § 5232.
Can my employer fire me for receiving an FL-624?
No. Family Code § 5251 prohibits termination, discipline, or refusal to hire because of a child support withholding order.
Does FL-624 stop if I declare bankruptcy?
No. Child support is non-dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(5), and withholding continues through bankruptcy.
Should the FEIN box use my SSN if I’m a sole proprietor?
No. Leave the FEIN blank and write Sole Prop in the margin; the obligor’s SSN already appears in its own field.
Can I send the child support payment directly to the other parent?
No. California requires payments to flow through the SDU when an LCSA case exists, under Family Code § 5230.
Do I check the lump sum box for a normal paycheck?
No. The lump sum box covers bonuses, commissions, severance, or one-time payments of $150 or more — not regular wages.
Is FL-624 valid if it isn’t signed?
No. An unsigned FL-624 is unenforceable; the employer should not begin withholding and should contact the issuing agency.
Can a private attorney sign FL-624?
No. Only a judge, commissioner, or authorized LCSA official can sign. Attorney signatures do not satisfy Family Code § 5230.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-191 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-195 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-342 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-358 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Texas Income Withholding for Support (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-630 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs