For the purpose of this chapter:
§ 689.050.Definitions
Title 9. Enforcement of Judgments · Division 1 · Chapter 9. Enforcement of Support Judgments · Last amended 2000 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 689.050 defines "judgment creditor" and "creditor," for this chapter, to mean the local child support agency collecting a child or spousal support obligation under a support order, and "judgment debtor" and "debtor" to mean the person that support obligation is sought from.
Full Text of § 689.050
(a) "Judgment creditor" or "creditor" means the local child support agency seeking to collect a child or spousal support obligation pursuant to a support order.
(b) "Judgment debtor" or "debtor" means the debtor from whom the support obligation is sought to be collected.
Plain-English Summary
This section closes out Chapter 9 with the same kind of definitional substitution § 688.040 provides for state tax enforcement. Anywhere this chapter refers to a "judgment creditor" or "creditor," that means the local child support agency pursuing a child or spousal support obligation under a support order. Anywhere it refers to a "judgment debtor" or "debtor," that means the person the support obligation is sought from.
These substitutions let the ordinary framework of judgment-creditor remedies, exemptions, and claim procedures apply directly to support collection, the same way §§ 689.020 and 689.030 rely on this shorthand throughout the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the "judgment creditor" for purposes of this chapter?
The local child support agency seeking to collect a child or spousal support obligation under a support order.
Who is the "judgment debtor"?
The debtor from whom the support obligation is sought to be collected.
Does this definition cover both child support and spousal support obligations?
Yes, § 689.050(a) covers both a child support obligation and a spousal support obligation pursuant to a support order.
Amendment History
Amended by Stats 2000 ch 808 (AB 1358), s 9, eff. 9/28/2000.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: definitions support enforcement californiajudgment creditor child support agency