Who fills out this form?

The instructions indicate that the sender completes the form, and it contains sections for the sender's information, the employer's information, and the order details.

Does this form tell the employer what to do?

It provides instructions to the employer/income withholder, noting that the form must be regular and that payments should go to a state disbursement unit unless exceptions apply.

Is a copy of the original order needed?

Yes, if you receive this document from an attorney or private individual/entity, a copy of the underlying support order that allows for income withholding must be attached.

FL-196Optional

Income Withholding for Support—Instructions

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 22, 2024

This form provides instructions for using the Income Withholding for Support form (FL-195). It explains who fills out the form, what information is needed, and how the form is used to tell an employer to take money out of someone's paycheck for support payments.

The court describes it as: Explains how to fill out Income Withholding for Support (form FL-195). Also includes information for the employer.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Start a case
Respond
Motions
Discovery
Hearing
Judgment
After judgment
Appeal

Stage: Motions

This form is used when a court order requires that money be taken out of an employee's wages to pay for support. It guides the sender on filling out the necessary details for the employer to withhold the correct amount.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?: The instructions indicate that the sender completes the form, and it contains sections for the sender's information, the employer's information, and the order details.
Does this form tell the employer what to do?: It provides instructions to the employer/income withholder, noting that the form must be regular and that payments should go to a state disbursement unit unless exceptions apply.
Is a copy of the original order needed?: Yes, if you receive this document from an attorney or private individual/entity, a copy of the underlying support order that allows for income withholding must be attached.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 22, 2024.

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