Changes to CA Child Support Laws for 2025

Changes to CA Child Support Laws for 2025

California made adjustments in 2024 to reflect changes to the decades-old formula for calculating child support. Beginning September 1, 2024, and continuing into 2025, parents under child support orders will see new changes. CA Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger explores these changes and how they could affect you.

Improving Parenting in the 21st Century

California’s new child support law, Senate Bill 343 (SB 343), aims to make the child support system more equitable and personalized. The new law will take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes several changes:

  1. Updated Calculation Formula: The new formula, called the “K factor,” adjusts the percentage of net income for lower-income parents and recalibrates contributions for higher-income earners. The new formula will increase child support at most income levels and create a fairer system that more accurately addresses each parent’s financial situation. 
  2. Revised Add-on Expense Allocation: Add-on expenses, like childcare and medical costs, will be allocated based on each parent’s net income after taxes. This change will affect many parents’ financial responsibilities. The bill also includes additional expenses like extracurricular activities, childcare, and medical costs not covered by insurance. 
  3. Low-income Adjustments: The new guidelines create a “low-middle” earning bracket to help identify parents who are not on public assistance but still need support. The threshold for the low-income adjustment is now based on the amount a parent would earn working a full 40-hour workweek at minimum wage. 
  4. Pass Through to Formerly Assisted Families: Payments received toward government-owed debt will be distributed to parents who previously received cash assistance. 
  5. Potential Reductions for Incarcerated Parents: The bill provides potential reductions in child support obligations for incarcerated parents. 
  6. Limits On Driver’s License Suspensions: The bill limits the use of driver’s license suspensions as a penalty for unpaid child support. 

Periodic Reviews Of Child Support Orders

SB 343 establishes a requirement for periodic reviews of child support orders, aimed at adjusting these obligations in accordance with evolving circumstances. These reviews will consider changes in the parents’ income, employment status, and the needs of the child over time. By implementing regular assessments, the new guidelines seek to maintain fairness in child support arrangements, ensuring that the obligations reflect the current situations of both parents and the child. This provision allows for modifications to child support orders as necessary, promoting ongoing equity in child support agreements.

How Do These Changes Affect You?

California is implementing new child support guidelines aimed at creating a fairer and more balanced system. These changes prioritize the well-being of children while considering the diverse financial situations of parents. Understanding the details of Senate Bill 343 is important for those affected by these changes and anyone wanting to stay informed.

The only way to learn how these changes affect you is to have your current child support orders and calculations professionally reviewed. Have you already noticed changes in your child support payments or calculations? Do you have more questions about these changes and how they affect your specific case?

Family Law Attorney Judy L. Burger is adept at helping clients navigate child support issues and her counsel can be invaluable as you seek to protect your rights and ensure the best interests of your child. For expert guidance on these changes, CA Certified Family Law Specialist Judy Burger is available to assist you in addressing your family’s needs. Contact one of our offices to schedule a consultation and review. Call 415-293-8314 and ask to meet in the office nearest you: Gold River, San Francisco, San Jose, Beverly Hills, San Diego, Oxnard, San Rafael, or Santa Barbara, CA.

 

Top Reasons to Seek CA Child Support Modifications

Top Reasons to Seek CA Child Support Modifications

Child and spousal support are critical responsibilities after a divorce. As life changes occur, you may need to make formal child support modifications to your original agreement. The Family Court must approve any changes, but it is always best for both parents to present a workable plan to the court. Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger examines why you may need to seek child support modifications in California.

Income Changes

Any changes in your income of 20% or more warrant examination for a possible change in your child support amount. This includes:

  • Increases: Increases may raise your payments.
  • Decreases: Decreases may reduce your payments depending on the nature of the decrease.
  • Job loss: If a parent loses a job, the court may temporarily reduce payments until they secure new employment, then make a more permanent determination.
  • Self-employment: This type of employment can fluctuate, requiring adjustment or some other modification.
  • Retirement: This often makes significant changes in income, usually decreases, and will require an adjustment.

Never assume that changes to your child support payments can be made on your own when things change. All changes must be agreed upon by both parents and approved by the court. CA Family Law Attorney Judy Burger can help you navigate this process to ensure your child’s best interests are met.

Custody Changes

Custody agreements can change and reflect a need to modify child support arrangements. The time a child spends with each parent is a primary consideration. Common reasons for a change in custody include:

In most cases, the non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent. If the custodial parent changes, this likely means a change in the amount of child support. The child’s needs and the new custody arrangements must be reviewed to create a workable agreement. Typically, the custodial parent spends more time with the child and contributes more to their care.

Changes in the Child’s Needs

Children grow and change, and this creates new and different needs. The most common changes in the child’s needs that demand support modifications include:

  • Education: As children age, they can require more resources for their education, such as school supplies, activity fees, or college tuition.
  • Living expenses: As children age, their tastes and needs change, including clothing, food, daily essentials, and incidentals.
  • Medical expenses: Developing medical conditions or treatments not covered by insurance, like wisdom teeth removal and orthodontics, can require extra resources.
  • Extracurricular activities: Children can pursue all forms of sports, music lessons, hobbies, and school clubs that may require additional financial resources.
  • Unpaid child support: If one parent falls behind on child support payments, the court may order a modification to ensure the child is receiving proper care and support.

Parents can agree on how they’ll handle the new payments. However, they still need a judge to sign off on the agreement and ensure it meets the requirements for a child support modification. So, any verbal agreement should be put on paper and certified by a family law judge.

Get Help with CA Child Support Modifications

Every family is unique and has different child support needs. No two support agreements are alike. Working with a seasoned family law attorney is the best way to find solutions to complex support issues that meet your family’s needs while satisfying the family court’s requirements. A lawyer should review any change in your situation to see if it warrants changes.

Certified Family Law Specialist Judy Burger has extensive experience helping families create workable child support agreements and modifications as life changes. She is an effective negotiator and problem-solver who can help you find solutions that fit your family’s needs. Contact one of her offices across California to schedule a consultation today.