My question involves child support in the State of: California
I am the father of a 3 month old boy. The mother and I were never married and are not together anymore. I have taken a paternity test to prove that I am the father, that is why I then signed a Declaration of Paternity (CS 909) to establish parentage. I am planning on submitting that document to the DCSS.
My ultimate goal is to set up child support along with custody and visitation agreements. Instead of filing a child custody case with the courts, I want to contact the DCSS to start a case for child support. Does the DCSS open up a case for me in court where I can then file papers for custody and a parenting plan? I am looking to avoid paying the $435 court filing fee as well. Is this the best approach to this situation? Does anyone know if it will take a considerable amount of time for the DCSS to get into action, or would it be quicker for me to start a custody case on my own?
Any other suggestions or comments are welcome!

