A Guide to Understanding California’s SB 343
Child support orders are fundamental to ensuring a child’s welfare. Equitable child support orders are fundamental to effective co-parenting and each parent’s financial stability. On September 1, 2024, California enacted Senate Bill 343 (“SB 343”) to address inequities in guideline child support orders, allowing both parents to meet their principal obligation of supporting their children according to their station in life. Understanding how the changes to child support under SB 343 impact your family empowers each parent to properly support his/her/their children and promotes amicable co-parenting by managing each parent’s expectations regarding child support orders.
Changes to California Child Support Orders Under SB 343
1. Updated Child Support Formula – “K Factor”
SB 343 adjusts California’s guideline formula’s “K factor,” the parents’ combined total income available for child support, to guarantee both parents properly contribute to their children’s financial support. The updated formula results orders which account for the actual cost of raising children in California.
2. Proportional Allocation of Child Support Add-Ons
Prior to SB 343, the Court split the obligation to pay child support add-ons (i.e., the children’s uncovered medical costs, childcare reasonably necessary for the parties’ employment) equally between the parents, regardless of any disparity in the parties’ incomes. SB 343 requires a proportional split of child support add-ons based on each parent’s income available for support.
3. Expanded Definition of Income Available for Support
SB 343 expands income available for child support to include income sources previously excluded from support calculations. The expansion provides a more accurate view of a parent’s financial station in life.
4. Higher Low-Income Adjustment for Child Support
SB 343 raises the low-income adjustment to California’s minimum wage; thus, a parent who earns up to $2,800.00 per month can qualify for a reduction in his/her/their child support obligation. The adjustment safeguards against child support payors being unable to meet their basic living expenses.
5. Mandatory Child Support Order Reviews
SB 343 mandates local child support agencies (i.e., “Department of Child Support Services”) to conduct periodic reviews of support orders effective January 1, 2026. These reviews should result in dynamic child support orders, which reflect changes in the parents’ incomes and/or employment and their children’s needs. It is expected the reviews will correct outdated and/or burdensome support orders.
What Does This Mean for Your Family?
For the Parent Receiving Child Support:
The changes under SB 343 may result in a higher child support order. Further, allocating child support add-ons proportionally between the parents based on each parent’s income may alleviate some of the financial strain of covering childcare, healthcare, and other costs for the children.
For the Parent Paying Child Support:
The expanded definition of income available for support under SB 343 may increase the child support obligation; however, the updated low-income adjustment provides relief for parents earning at or below minimum wage. Also, the mandate under SB 343 for periodic reviews of the Court’s support orders ensures your support obligations change as your financial situation changes.
What Should You Do for Your Family?
- Gather Financial Documentation: Compile current documentation for all sources of income, expenses, and deductions to recalculate support under the new formula.
- Review Your Current Support Order: Bring the compiled financial documentation to a consultation with your attorney, who will help you better understand how the new child support formula under SB 343 could impact your family.
SB 343 significantly shifts California’s approach to child support orders, aiming to create a more equitable system. Whether you are receiving or paying child support, the complexity of California’s new support rules can be challenging. As Certified Legal Specialists in Family Law, our attorneys help families understand how SB 343 affects your case. If you need assistance recalculating child support, please reach out to Genesis Family Law immediately. It would be the pleasure of our many experienced attorneys to assist you.