2024-2026 Changes to California Child Support: What SB 343 and SB 1055 Mean for You

If you have a child support order in California or are currently going through a custody or divorce case, the past year brought some of the most significant legal changes in decades. Two laws, one overhauling how child support is calculated and one reforming how it is enforced, are already affecting families across the state.

This article explains what changed, what it means in plain terms, and what questions you may want to bring to a family law attorney.

Why California Updated Its Child Support Laws

California’s child support formula had not been substantially updated since 1992. In that time, the cost of living rose dramatically, minimum wage more than doubled, and the financial realities of California families shifted significantly.

Lawmakers passed two laws to address these gaps. The first, known as SB 343, changed how support amounts are calculated. The second, SB 1055, changed how the state enforces unpaid support for lower-income parents. Both are now current law in California.

SB 343: A New Formula for Calculating Child Support

SB 343 took effect on September 1, 2024. It is the most comprehensive revision to California’s child support guidelines in over 30 years.

Here is what the law changed:

Updated formula for calculating support amounts

The underlying formula used to calculate child support was revised. For most income levels, this results in higher support amounts than the old formula produced. The goal is to better reflect the actual cost of raising children in California today.

Stronger protections for lower-income parents

The income threshold for a low-income adjustment was raised and is now tied to the equivalent of full-time work at California’s current minimum wage. Under current guidelines, that threshold is approximately $2,773 per month in net disposable income. Parents at or below that level may qualify for a reduction in their calculated support amount. If a support obligation would exceed half of a parent’s net disposable income, the court may also consider a deviation from the standard amount.

Add-on expenses now split by income, not equally

Before SB 343, many parents split additional child-related costs equally. These “add-on” expenses include childcare, uncovered medical costs, extracurricular activities, and travel costs related to visitation. The new law changed the default: these expenses are now divided in proportion to each parent’s income. A parent who earns more will generally pay a larger share of those costs.

Work-related childcare costs are presumed reasonable

Courts now start from the position that childcare costs tied to a parent’s employment are reasonable. Either party can present evidence to challenge that presumption, but the burden to do so has shifted.

Expanded definition of income

The law clarified that certain income sources that were sometimes overlooked must now be factored in. These include severance pay, certain military allowances for housing and food, and non-need-based veterans’ benefits.

Earning capacity may be considered

If a parent appears to be voluntarily working below their ability, the court may calculate support based on what that parent could reasonably earn, rather than their reported income. This applies when the court determines doing so is in the best interests of the children.

Incarcerated parents

Under SB 343, child support obligations are suspended for incarcerated parents through the tenth full month following their release. This change gives parents time to secure stable employment before support obligations resume.

Important: Existing orders do not change automatically

SB 343 does not retroactively modify any existing court order. If you have a current child support order that was set before September 1, 2024, it remains in effect as written. To have your order recalculated under the new guidelines, a formal request must be filed with the court.

If your income, the other parent’s income, or your custody arrangement has changed, speaking with a family law attorney about whether a modification may be appropriate is a reasonable next step.

SB 1055: Driver’s License Suspensions and Low-Income Parents

For years, California used driver’s license suspension as a tool to enforce unpaid child support. Critics pointed out that this approach often created a cycle: a parent who lost their license could not get to work, which made it harder to pay support.

SB 1055, which took effect January 1, 2025, addressed this directly.

Under current California law:

• Child support agencies are prohibited from suspending a driver’s license for any parent whose annual household income is at or below 70 percent of the area median income for the county where they live.
• Parents who previously had licenses suspended under the old rules may qualify to have them restored if they meet the income threshold.
• As of the start of 2025, California Child Support Services worked with the DMV to restore more than 149,000 licenses for qualifying parents statewide.

One important distinction to note: starting January 1, 2027, this income-based protection will apply only to non-commercial driver’s licenses. Commercial driver’s license holders may still face suspension as an enforcement tool after that date, regardless of income.

License suspension remains a valid enforcement option for parents whose household income exceeds 70 percent of their county’s area median income.

What to Expect Through 2026

California’s child support system is continuing to evolve. State agencies are working on additional implementation changes expected to take effect in early 2026, focused on how local child support agencies assess income and earning capacity when establishing new orders. These are regulatory changes related to SB 343’s Phase II implementation, not new legislation.

If those changes affect your case, a family law attorney can explain how they apply to your specific situation when the time comes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my current child support order change automatically because of SB 343?

No. Existing orders remain in place until either parent files a formal request for modification with the court. A family law attorney can review your current order and help you understand whether a modification makes sense based on your circumstances.

What qualifies someone for the lower-income adjustment under SB 343?

The threshold is tied to California’s current minimum wage, calculated at 40 hours per week. Under current figures, that is approximately $2,773 per month in net disposable income. Courts presume that parents at or below this level are entitled to the adjustment, though the presumption can be challenged.

Will I automatically get my license back under SB 1055?

Not necessarily. You must meet the income threshold, which is 70 percent of your county’s area median income. If you believe you qualify and your license is still suspended, speaking with a family law attorney or contacting California Child Support Services directly is the appropriate step.

Do these changes affect spousal support?

No. SB 343 and SB 1055 apply specifically to child support. Spousal support is calculated separately under different legal standards. If you have questions about spousal support, those should be addressed as a separate matter with your attorney.

Can the court consider income I am not currently earning?

In some cases, yes. If a court determines that a parent is voluntarily unemployed or working below their earning ability, the court may base the support calculation on the income that parent could reasonably earn, provided this determination is in the children’s best interests.

Talk to a Family Law Attorney About Your Situation

These California child support changes are significant, and how they apply depends entirely on individual circumstances. This article provides general educational information only and is not legal advice.

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen serves families throughout the Tarzana area and Southern California. If you have questions about how these updates may relate to your existing order or an ongoing family law case, call (805) 222-6766 or visit sethbowenlaw.com to schedule a consultation.

Understanding where things stand now can help you make informed decisions for your children and your future.