California Child Support Modification Laws 2025 – All You Need To Know

Child support orders are assigned by the court, and they must be followed. There are, however, sometimes when those orders require modification. That’s when it’s important to understand California child support modification laws. Find out everything you need to know about California modification laws below.

When to Request a Child Support Modification

You should request a child support modification any time you or your co-parent experiences a substantial change in circumstances. Changes in circumstances can include:

• Changes in primary custody
• Changes in visitation
• Changes in either parent’s income
• Changes in family size
• A parent being incarcerated or becoming disabled
• Military deployment

You should petition for a change in your child support court order as soon as these types of circumstances arise. The average noncustodial parent in California makes $15,000 per year but owes $39,000 in child support, which is not a sustainable situation for anyone, especially since the state charges 10% interest on any payments that are overdue.

The Modification Review Process

When either parent requests a modification, the Child Support Services Department (CSSD) sends a modification packet to both parents that requests information about the various factors that impact child support. The CSSD will then determine if a modification is appropriate based on the information provided.

If a modification is deemed appropriate, CSSD will inform both parties and file the necessary papers with the court to set a hearing. The co-parents must either come to an agreement about the child support amount before the hearing, in which case they can file a stipulation with the court, or the case can go to trial, and a judge will decide the amount of support. At the end of the hearing or court data, the judge will sign a new court order.

Until the court order for child support is officially modified, the person responsible for paying child support will need to continue paying the previous amount.

Documents to Provide During the Review

If your case requires a full review, you’ll need to submit paperwork. The CSSD will mail it to you directly. You can then complete and return the requested documents to proceed with the review. Depending on what type of material change has occurred in your circumstances, you can expect to submit proof of:

• Income and expenses
• Childcare expenses
• Medical insurance
• Disability status
• Prison status
• Unemployment benefits
• Retirement income
• Current custody arrangement and visitation schedule

You need to make sure you return the completed packet by the due date because modification laws in the Golden State dictate that the request for modification may otherwise be denied. If you’re concerned about your ability to fill out the forms correctly or obtain the necessary proof of change in circumstances, a modification attorney can help.

Tips to Simplify the Modification Process

Child support modification requires keeping track of numerous deadlines, filing diverse paperwork, and providing up-to-date proof of income, expenses, and other relevant documents. If you want to get your modification approved without a hassle, follow these tips:

• Act quickly. Child support payments can’t be reduced retroactively, and unpaid child support can’t be discharged in bankruptcy, so it’s important for noncustodial parents to act immediately if they experience a change in circumstances that limits their ability to pay according to the current child support agreement.
• Try to reach an agreement. Reaching an agreement with the custodial parent to modify child support payments makes it easier to get a new court order. While informal agreements between ex-spouses are not legally binding, the court will strongly consider agreements already made between parents prior to the hearing.
• Keep making payments. Keep making your current child support payments until the new child support order goes through. Failing to make those payments can hurt your argument that new circumstances, rather than a lack of effort, are impeding your ability to pay.
• Document the changes. Make sure you document all the significant changes occurring in your financial life, from job loss to medical disability. Keep unemployment pay stubs, medical bills, and documentation of efforts to find a new job if you are unemployed.

FAQs

How Often Can Child Support Be Modified in California?

Child support can be modified in California whenever a substantial change in circumstances occurs. Changes in circumstances can include a significant increase or decrease in a parent’s income, a change in the child custody agreement, a parent becoming disabled, a parent getting incarcerated, additional children being born or adopted, changes in the child’s needs, such as increased childcare costs or medical expenses. To understand if your child support can be modified, check with your attorney.

What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

The biggest mistake in a custody battle is to place your own desires ahead of your child’s needs. When it comes time to assign custody and child support payments, you should never badmouth the other parent or try to turn the child against them. Make decisions based on reason, not emotion, and keep in mind that your child’s needs should always come first.

What Is the New Child Support Law in California in 2025?

The new child support law in California in 2025 is designed to protect low-income parents from driver’s license suspension for missing child support payments. It also includes modifications to the income calculation based on sources like severance pay and veterans’ benefits, and establishes new rules for dividing childcare add-on costs.

How Often Is Child Support Recalculated?

Child support is recalculated every three years in California unless one parent requests a recalculation before that time. Parents can request a recalculation of child support payments any time a large material change in their circumstances occurs, and this can happen as often as necessary to ensure the child’s needs are being met.

Hire a Modification Lawyer in California

If you’re interested in having your child support payments modified, you should hire a modification lawyer. The team at the Law Offices of Rod Firoozye has an in-depth knowledge of California child support modification laws, which we can bring to bear on your situation. We’ve handled countless child support modification cases, and we can take on yours, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.