Special circumstances
What if they owed back child support?
Short answer
Child support obligations end at death. However, arrears owed at the time of death may be a claim against the estate. Contact the county Department of Child Support Services.
What this usually means
Child support obligations end at death. However, arrears owed at the time of death may be a claim against the estate. Contact the county Department of Child Support Services.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.