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Child Support in California

Child Support in California

California Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
  • Immediate legal help: California Legal Aid at 1-866-322-5342
  • Crisis assistance: 211 California (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: California Food Bank Network at calfoodnet.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Contact your local DCSS office at 1-866-901-3212
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the California Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact California Legal Aid
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for CalFresh benefits

Main Points

✅ Major changes took effect September 2024 – New Senate Bill 343 completely revised child support calculations¹

✅ Income Shares Model uses both parents’ incomes – Your income affects what you receive but also the total support needed²

✅ Average support ranges $400-600/month – Actual amounts vary greatly based on combined income and custody time³

✅ No application fees for DCSS services – All services provided at no cost to custodial parents⁴

✅ Multiple enforcement tools available – Wage withholding, tax intercepts, license suspension (with new low-income protections)⁵

✅ Support continues until age 18 – Or 19 if still in high school full-time and unmarried⁶

Understanding California Child Support in 2025

What Changed in September 2024 and Why It Matters

California implemented the most significant changes to child support law in over 30 years when Senate Bill 343 took effect September 1, 2024⁷. These changes directly impact how much support you can receive:

Before September 2024: Older “K-factor” formula with limited income considerations
Since September 2024: Updated formula using net income instead of gross income, expanded income sources, and improved low-income adjustments⁸

Maria’s Story: “My order was established in 2022 based on my ex making $4,000 gross monthly. When we modified in early 2025 under the new law, even though his gross stayed the same, the new net income calculation and expanded income sources (including his military housing allowance) increased my support from $850 to $1,100 monthly for our two kids.”

The changes generally result in higher support amounts at most income levels and create more equitable calculations when parents have significant income differences.

Who Can Apply for California Child Support in 2025

You can apply for child support services if you are:

  • A parent with physical custody of a child under 18 (or 19 if in high school)
  • A legal guardian or relative caretaker with custody
  • Someone owed back support for a child now over 18 (within certain time limits)
  • A pregnant woman (as of 2025, support can begin during pregnancy)⁹

Important: You don’t have to be a California resident to apply for services, but the child or other parent must have California connections¹⁰.

Reality Check: Many single mothers worry that applying for child support will “cause drama.” Remember that this money belongs to your child – it’s not charity or a favor.

How Much California Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Understanding the New Income Shares Model

Since September 2024, California uses an updated formula under Family Code Section 4055: **CS = K[HN – (H%)(TN)]**¹¹

Where:

  • CS = Child support amount
  • K = Both parents’ income allocated for support (updated “K-factor” bands)
  • HN = Higher earner’s net monthly disposable income
  • H% = Percentage of time higher earner has children
  • TN = Total net monthly disposable income of both parents

2025 California Child Support Estimates (Based on New Guidelines)

These amounts represent total support needed before splitting between parents:

Parents’ Combined Net Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children
$3,000 $720 $1,050 $1,200 $1,320
$4,000 $960 $1,400 $1,600 $1,760
$5,000 $1,200 $1,750 $2,000 $2,200
$6,000 $1,440 $2,100 $2,400 $2,640
$8,000 $1,920 $2,800 $3,200 $3,520
$10,000 $2,400 $3,500 $4,000 $4,400

Reality Check: These are total support amounts. Your actual payment depends on your income percentage. If you earn 20% of combined income, you’d “contribute” 20% through direct care, and the other parent pays 80%.

Real-World Example: How the New Formula Works

Example: Combined net income is $6,000/month with 2 children

  • Total support needed: $2,100/month
  • If you earn $1,200 (20%) and other parent earns $4,800 (80%):
    • Other parent pays: $1,680/month to you
    • Your contribution: $420/month (through direct child care)

New Income Sources Counted Under SB 343

The updated Family Code Section 4058 now explicitly includes¹²:

  • Severance pay
  • Veterans’ benefits (non-need-based)
  • Military housing allowances (BAH)
  • Military food allowances (BAS)
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Social Security benefits

Low-Income Adjustments in 2025

The new law significantly expanded protections for low-income parents. You may qualify for reduced support obligations if your net disposable income is below the amount someone would earn working 40 hours at California’s minimum wage¹³.

2025 threshold: Approximately $2,860/month net income (based on $16.50/hour minimum wage)

Use the Official California Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the California Child Support Calculator provided by DCSS¹⁴. This calculator:

  • Uses the updated September 2024 guidelines
  • Accounts for the new income sources
  • Includes add-on expenses (childcare, medical, etc.)
  • Generates official worksheets for court

What You’ll Need:

  • Both parents’ gross monthly income
  • Number of children needing support
  • Monthly childcare costs
  • Monthly health insurance costs for children
  • Any existing support orders for other children

How to Apply for California Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents¹⁵:

  • Child’s certified birth certificate
  • Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
  • Information about the other parent:
    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Date of birth and Social Security number
    • Current and previous addresses
    • Employer information
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders, restraining orders)
  • Health insurance information for you and your child

Expert Tip: Even old information about the other parent can be valuable. DCSS has extensive databases to locate people using partial information.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

California offers multiple ways to apply for child support services:

Option 1: Online Application

  • Visit childsupport.ca.gov
  • Complete the simplified enrollment form
  • Upload required documents
  • Submit electronically (no fees)

Option 2: Phone Application

  • Call your local DCSS office at 1-866-901-3212
  • Complete application over the phone
  • Mail or fax required documents

Option 3: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local DCSS office
  • Find office locations at childsupport.ca.gov
  • Bring all required documents
  • Complete application with staff assistance

Step 3: No Application Fees

Unlike many states, California does not charge application fees for child support services. All services are provided at no cost to custodial parents, including:

  • Locating the other parent
  • Establishing paternity
  • Creating support orders
  • Collecting and distributing payments
  • Enforcement actions

Step 4: Work with Your DCSS Caseworker

Once DCSS receives your application, you’ll be assigned a caseworker who will:

  1. Open your case within 20 business days
  2. Locate the other parent using state and federal databases if needed
  3. Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing
  4. Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
  5. Begin collection and distribution once an order is in place

What to Expect Timeline:

  • Cooperative cases (other parent known and cooperative): 30-60 days
  • Location needed cases: 60-120 days
  • Contested paternity cases: 120-180 days
  • Interstate cases: 90-180 days depending on cooperation

How You’ll Receive Your California Child Support Payments

California processes all child support payments through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), which offers two electronic payment methods¹⁶:

Option 1: Direct Deposit

How it works:

  • Payments deposited directly into your bank account
  • Fastest and most secure method
  • No fees for direct deposit
  • Funds typically available within 1-2 business days

Setup process:

  • Enroll through Customer Connect
  • Provide bank account information
  • Allow 5-10 business days for setup
  • Receive confirmation when active

Option 2: Electronic Payment Card (EPC)

The Electronic Payment Card is a prepaid debit card provided at no cost¹⁷.

Features:

  • No bank account required
  • Funds loaded automatically when payments received
  • Use anywhere Visa/Mastercard accepted
  • ATM access for cash withdrawals
  • No monthly fees
  • Check balance online or by phone

Important: California stopped issuing paper checks in 2022. You must choose one of these electronic options.

Payment Processing Timeline

Payment Method Processing Time Availability
Employer wage withholding 2-3 business days Most reliable
Direct payments by other parent 1-2 business days Variable
Tax intercepts Seasonal Annual/quarterly
Other enforcement collections 3-5 business days As collected

Understanding Add-On Expenses Under the New 2024 Law

Major Changes to Add-On Expense Allocation

SB 343 fundamentally changed how additional expenses are shared between parents¹⁸:

Before September 2024: Default 50/50 split of add-on expenses
Since September 2024: Proportional sharing based on each parent’s relative net income

Types of Add-On Expenses

Under Family Code Sections 4061-4063, add-on expenses include¹⁹:

Expense Type 2025 Rules Your Rights
Work-related childcare Rebuttable presumption that costs are reasonable Other parent must prove costs unreasonable
Uninsured medical costs Proportional sharing based on income 90 days to request reimbursement
Health insurance premiums Proportional sharing based on income Must be reasonable in cost
Extracurricular activities Court may order proportional sharing Must benefit the child’s development
Educational expenses Special needs, tutoring, private school Case-by-case determination

Real-World Add-On Example

Scenario: Your combined monthly net income is $8,000 (you earn $2,000, other parent earns $6,000)

  • Your income percentage: 25%
  • Other parent’s percentage: 75%

Monthly expenses:

  • Childcare: $800/month → You pay $200, other parent pays $600
  • Uninsured medical: $200/month → You pay $50, other parent pays $150
  • Total add-ons: $1,000/month → You pay $250, other parent pays $750

Reality Check: The new proportional sharing means higher-earning parents pay more of these expenses, which often results in significantly more total support for children.

When California Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What California DCSS Can Do to Collect Support

California has extensive enforcement powers under Family Code Section 17500 et seq.²⁰:

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness New 2025 Protections
Income Withholding Direct payroll deduction 85% success rate None – still fully enforced
Tax Intercepts State and federal refunds seized Seasonal effectiveness None – still fully enforced
Bank Levies Financial accounts frozen/seized Very effective None – still fully enforced
Property Liens Real estate/vehicle liens Prevents sales/refinancing None – still fully enforced
License Suspension Driver’s, professional licenses Historically very effective NEW: Protected if income below 70% area median²¹
Credit Reporting Reports to all three bureaus Long-term pressure None – still fully enforced
Passport Denial Federal passport program Prevents international travel Threshold remains $2,500 owed

2025 License Suspension Changes: What You Need to Know

Senate Bill 1055, effective January 1, 2025, created major protections for low-income parents²²:

New Rule: DCSS cannot suspend driver’s licenses if the parent’s income is below 70% of their county’s area median income

Why This Matters: This change recognizes that taking away someone’s ability to drive often prevents them from working and paying support.

Impact: California released over 149,000 suspended licenses in preparation for this law²³.

Asset Discovery and Collection

California uses sophisticated tools to locate assets:

  • Financial Institution Data Match (FIDM): Searches all bank accounts quarterly
  • Employment databases: New hire reporting and quarterly wage reporting
  • Real property records: County assessor databases
  • Vehicle registrations: DMV database searches
  • Professional licenses: All state licensing boards
  • Business registrations: Secretary of State databases

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets
  2. Use Customer Connect to track payments and communicate with your caseworker
  3. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay
  4. Provide Social Security number and other identifying information
  5. Stay in regular contact with your caseworker about missed payments

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in California

California’s child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Key considerations:

Same-sex married couples: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate through assisted reproduction or adoption, both may have support obligations under Family Code Section 7613.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered, which may require:

  • Pre-birth parentage orders
  • Step-parent adoption
  • Voluntary declaration of parentage
  • Court determination of parental rights

Non-discrimination protections: California has strong anti-discrimination laws. If you face discrimination in the child support process, contact:

  • Equality California: (323) 848-9801 or eqca.org
  • ACLU of California: (213) 977-9500

Additional Resources:

Native American and Tribal Connections

California has a complex relationship with tribal sovereignty affecting child support:

California tribal communities: While California doesn’t have large reservation areas like other states, many families have tribal connections that can affect jurisdiction.

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land in another state, DCSS coordinates with:

  • Tribal child support programs that have agreements with states
  • Office of Tribal Services within federal OCSE
  • Tribal courts that may have concurrent jurisdiction

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) considerations: May apply when children are enrolled tribal members or eligible for enrollment.

Contact for tribal cases: Your local DCSS office can coordinate with tribal services through federal programs.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

  • Video conferencing: Many DCSS offices offer virtual appointments
  • Phone services: Most services available by phone at 1-866-901-3212
  • Mobile outreach: Some counties provide periodic rural visits
  • Document submission: Most paperwork can be submitted by mail, fax, or email

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access
  • Community centers: Many rural areas have public computer access
  • DCSS phone support: Complete applications and manage cases by phone
  • Local assistance: County social services offices can provide computer access

Language accessibility:

  • Spanish services: Available statewide in person and by phone
  • Other languages: Federal law requires interpretation services upon request
  • TTY/TDD services: Available for hearing-impaired customers

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under California child support law, though national statistics show custodial fathers face unique challenges²⁴:

National statistics for custodial fathers:

  • 38% never receive any child support payment (vs. 29% for mothers)
  • Higher median income than custodial mothers ($70,000 vs. $52,000)
  • More likely to have been previously married

Same services available: Application process, enforcement tools, and DCSS services are identical regardless of gender.

Specific resources for single fathers:

  • Single Fathers Network: Online support and resources
  • National Center for Fathering: fathers.com
  • Legal Aid: Same free services available

California Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)

What they do: DCSS is the state agency that oversees a network of 47 local child support agencies providing comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, support order creation and modification, payment collection and distribution, and enforcement of support obligations. They work in partnership with federal agencies and other states to ensure children receive financial support regardless of where parents live.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, create and modify child support orders, collect and distribute payments through the State Disbursement Unit, enforce orders through wage withholding and other tools, provide Customer Connect online portal for case management, and coordinate with other states and countries for interstate cases.

Who qualifies: Any custodial parent, legal guardian, or person with custody of a child under 18 (or 19 if in high school) can apply for services regardless of income, marital status, or immigration status.

How to apply: Apply online at childsupport.ca.gov, call 1-866-901-3212, or visit your local DCSS office. All services are provided at no cost to custodial parents.

California Legal Aid Organizations

What they do: Multiple legal aid organizations throughout California provide free civil legal services to low-income residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases. They offer both direct representation and extensive self-help resources to ensure equal access to justice.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court, advice and consultation for child support issues, assistance with order modifications and enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, help with interstate child support cases, and extensive online self-help resources including forms, guides, and video tutorials.

Who qualifies: Generally households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $3,750/month for a family of three in 2025), with priority given to domestic violence survivors, cases involving children, and seniors.

How to apply: Call 1-866-322-5342 for statewide intake, visit lawhelpca.org for local resources, or contact regional legal aid offices directly in your area.

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)

What they do: CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance and services to eligible families with children, including automatic referral to child support services to help families achieve self-sufficiency. The program offers comprehensive support including cash aid, job training, childcare assistance, and supportive services while families work toward independence.

Services provided: Monthly cash assistance (varies by family size and county), job search and training programs, childcare assistance for working or training parents, transportation assistance, educational support including community college programs, and automatic child support referral and cooperation requirements.

Who qualifies: Families with children under 18 with income and assets below program limits, typically around 130% of federal poverty level, with citizenship or qualified immigrant status required for most family members.

How to apply: Apply online at benefitscal.org, visit your county social services office, or call 1-877-847-3663 for assistance with the application process.

California Emergency Food and Housing Programs

What they do: Various state and county programs provide emergency assistance with food, housing, and utilities for families in crisis, often serving as a crucial safety net for single mothers navigating child support issues. These programs work together to prevent homelessness and food insecurity while families establish stable support arrangements.

Services provided: Emergency food assistance through food banks and CalFresh, rental and utility assistance through county programs, temporary housing assistance and homeless prevention services, emergency clothing and household items, and referrals to long-term support services.

Who qualifies: Requirements vary by program, but most serve families with income below 200% of federal poverty level, with some emergency programs having no income limits for crisis situations.

How to apply: Call 2-1-1 for immediate assistance and referrals, visit calfoodnet.org for food assistance, contact your county social services for housing assistance, or apply for CalFresh at getcalfresh.org.

Frequently Asked Questions: California Child Support for Single Mothers

About the New 2024 Laws and Applying

Q: How do the September 2024 child support changes affect my existing order? A: Any significant change in circumstances, including the new calculation methods under SB 343, can justify a modification request. If your order was established before September 2024, you may be entitled to a recalculation under the new guidelines, which generally result in higher support amounts.

Q: Do I have to be a California resident to get child support through California DCSS? A: No, you don’t have to be a California resident. You can apply if either the child lives in California, the other parent lives in California, or there’s another significant California connection. DCSS can work with other states if needed.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: DCSS has extensive parent location services using federal and state databases including employment records, tax information, credit reports, motor vehicle records, and social media searches. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old – including previous addresses, employers, relatives’ names, or social media profiles.

Q: Can I apply for child support if we were never married? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. If paternity hasn’t been established, DCSS can help through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing at no cost to you.

About the New Income Shares Model and Calculations

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays under the new Income Shares Model? A: Under the Income Shares Model, both incomes determine total support needed, then each parent contributes their percentage. Example: If combined income is $8,000 and support needed is $1,920 for 1 child, and you earn $2,000 (25%) while the other parent earns $6,000 (75%), they pay $1,440 to you while you provide $480 through direct care.

Q: What new types of income are included under the 2024 law changes? A: SB 343 expanded income sources to include severance pay, non-need-based veterans’ benefits, military housing and food allowances, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, and Social Security benefits. This often results in higher calculated support amounts.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support going back several years? A: Yes. California courts can order retroactive support going back to when you should have first applied, up to the child’s birth date. The amount and time period depend on your specific circumstances and when you file.

Q: What’s the difference between gross and net income in the new calculations? A: The new law uses net disposable income (after taxes and allowed deductions) instead of gross income. This change makes calculations more accurate to what parents actually have available to pay support and often results in different amounts than under the old system.

About Add-On Expenses and the New Rules

Q: How are childcare costs handled under the new 2024 law? A: The new law creates a rebuttable presumption that work-related childcare costs are reasonable, and they’re now shared proportionally based on income rather than 50/50. The higher-earning parent pays a larger share.

Q: Can I get reimbursed for medical expenses not covered by insurance? A: Yes. Under the new proportional sharing rules, uninsured medical expenses are shared based on each parent’s income percentage. You have 90 days to request reimbursement from the other parent for covered expenses.

Q: What if my child needs expensive extracurricular activities or tutoring? A: Courts can order these as add-on expenses if they benefit the child’s development. Under the new law, costs are shared proportionally based on income, not 50/50 as before.

About Enforcement and Problems

Q: What happens if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying child support? A: California courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. Even if someone is voluntarily unemployed, support can be calculated based on what they could reasonably earn with their education, training, and experience. DCSS also has enforcement tools beyond wage withholding.

Q: How do the new 2025 license suspension rules affect enforcement? A: Starting January 1, 2025, DCSS cannot suspend driver’s licenses for parents earning below 70% of their county’s area median income. However, other enforcement tools like tax intercepts, bank levies, and property liens still apply to all income levels.

Q: What if the other parent moves to another state or country? A: DCSS works with child support agencies in all 50 states and many countries through interstate and international agreements. Your California order remains enforceable, and collection efforts can continue regardless of where the other parent moves.

Q: Can DCSS help with custody or visitation issues? A: No. DCSS only handles financial support and medical support orders. For custody, visitation, or parenting time issues, you’ll need to contact a private attorney, legal aid, or file directly with family court.

About Modifications and Special Circumstances

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification through DCSS or the court if there’s been a significant change in circumstances, including: 20% change in income, change in custody time (significant overnight changes), change in childcare or health insurance costs, or every three years for a routine review.

Q: What if the other parent becomes incarcerated? A: Incarceration doesn’t automatically stop child support obligations. However, the incarcerated parent can petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay. Support continues to accrue unless modified by the court.

Q: How does shared custody affect child support under the new rules? A: If either parent has the children for significant time (typically 20% or more overnight stays), this can affect the support calculation. The new 2024 formula better accounts for shared custody situations and the increased costs of maintaining two homes.

Q: What if I receive public assistance like CalWORKs or CalFresh? A: You’re automatically referred to DCSS when you receive certain public benefits. Any child support collected while you’re on assistance may first go to reimburse the state for benefits paid, but you keep any amount over what the state is owed.

Complete California Child Support Resources and Contact Information

California DCSS Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Domestic Violence Legal Support:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Housing and Utility Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • California Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • California Crisis Support: 211ca.org | Dial 2-1-1

Child Safety:

Emergency Food:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official California Resources:

Benefits and Program Information:

Major County DCSS Offices

Los Angeles County:

Orange County:

San Diego County:

Riverside County:

San Bernardino County:

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

  • Spanish Language Services: Available at all DCSS offices and phone lines
  • Interpreter Services: Available for 200+ languages by request
  • Document Translation: Available for court forms and key documents

Disability Accommodations:

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This California guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including California Department of Child Support Services, California Courts, California Department of Social Services, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official California Department of Child Support Services, California Legislature, California Courts, California Legal Aid organizations, and federal sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about California child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary significantly.

Always:

  • Verify current information with California DCSS at 1-866-901-3212
  • Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your unique situation
  • Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
  • Report changes in your circumstances to DCSS promptly
  • Review your case regularly through Customer Connect or by contacting your caseworker

The information in this guide:

  • Is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional legal advice
  • May not apply to every individual situation or case
  • Is subject to change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
  • Should be verified with official sources before making legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every possible scenario or exception to California child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact California DCSS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact California DCSS at 1-866-901-3212 or visit childsupport.ca.gov.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ California Senate Bill 343 (effective September 1, 2024)
² California Family Code Section 4055 (updated 2024)
³ Multiple California family law sources estimate $400-600 average monthly support
⁴ California DCSS does not charge application fees to custodial parents
⁵ California Family Code Section 17500 et seq. (enforcement tools)
⁶ California Family Code Section 3901 (support duration)
⁷ California Senate Bill 343, signed September 22, 2023, effective September 1, 2024
⁸ Family Law Software analysis of SB 343 changes (November 2024)
⁹ California Family Code Section 17400 (eligibility for services)
¹⁰ California DCSS interstate services policy
¹¹ California Family Code Section 4055 (child support formula)
¹² California Family Code Section 4058 (income sources)
¹³ Henry Lewis Law analysis of SB 343 low-income adjustments
¹⁴ California Child Support Services official calculator
¹⁵ California DCSS application requirements
¹⁶ California State Disbursement Unit payment methods
¹⁷ California Electronic Payment Card program
¹⁸ Daily Journal analysis of SB 343 add-on expense changes
¹⁹ California Family Code Sections 4061-4063 (add-on expenses)
²⁰ California Family Code Section 17500 et seq. (enforcement authority)
²¹ California Senate Bill 1055 (license suspension protections)
²² California DCSS announcement on license releases (January 2025)
²³ California DCSS and DMV joint release of 149,000 suspended licenses
²⁴ U.S. Census Bureau custodial parent statistics

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