FL-420 is a California family court form used in governmental child support cases—usually those involving the Local Child Support Agency (LCSA)—to provide a sworn, detailed payment history of child support. This form is commonly used in Uniform Parentage Act (UPA) cases, where parentage, custody, and support are being established or enforced. It helps the court determine how much support has been paid, how much remains unpaid, and whether arrears (past-due amounts) exist.

The form is typically completed by the governmental child support agency, although a party may also submit it in some circumstances. FL-420 lists every support payment received, including direct payments, wage garnishments, tax refund intercepts, unemployment deductions, and any other method of support collection. It documents dates, amounts, and how each payment was applied—whether to current support, arrears, interest, or fees. This comprehensive record helps the court make accurate enforcement and modification decisions.

FL-420 is especially important when there is a dispute about arrears, claims of unrecorded payments, or disagreements about how payments were credited. Because governmental agencies track payment histories electronically, FL-420 provides an official record that the court relies on to verify amounts owed. It ensures that neither parent is unfairly charged or credited and that all support calculations reflect accurate financial data.

The form is often used during hearings involving modification of support, enforcement actions, contempt proceedings, or motions to adjust arrears. When support orders have existed for years—or when multiple agencies or employers have been involved—FL-420 offers a clear, audited payment history that prevents confusion. Courts may require this form before ruling on wage assignments, arrears judgments, or payment plans.

In summary, FL-420 is a crucial form for documenting child support payment history in governmental parentage and support cases. It provides the court with an accurate, verified record of payments made and amounts owed, ensuring fairness, transparency, and proper enforcement of support orders. When included in a case, FL-420 helps judges make informed decisions about arrears, modifications, and ongoing support obligations.