If I wanted to enforce child support and collect arrears, would it be quicker to do it through the court or DCSS (Department of Child Support Services)?

Do you already have a case started? Are you on any state aide?

Yes, he was ordered by the court to start paying $703/mth in September 2008 and has hardly paid anything. I currently have medi-cal for his doctors appointments & WIC, but I am not on calworks.

Then your going to need to push DCSS for getting you some money. The government wants to recover also so you won't be able to do it independently.

The government will be pulling money from the arrears/support?

They may for the medical or the WIC. Governments are trying to recover what they can and he's supposed to be responsible so if they are paying anything on his behalf they may add to the award.

Oh. I was told they would only be taking money if I were on TANF, cash-aid, or Welfare/CALworks

Oh. I was told they would only be taking money if I were on TANF, cash-aid, or Welfare/CALworks

Isn't he also responsible for medical insurance for the children? They might also tack that on. It depends on how they are ay collecting the money. But you should try going through the state first if you can because otherwise you would have to hire your own lawyer etc and pay for all the court paperwork. Can you afford that and afford to take over your own case?

He switched jobs (AGAIN, probably the sixth time in the past year and a half) and won't get his benefits for a while.
And no, I wouldn't be able to afford that.

Then try dcss and take your best shot with them. Right now they should be pushing him for it and taking his license away.