California Divorce Laws 2025 – New Changes You Need to Know
By Stephane Quinn | By Quinn & Dworakowski LLP |Just thinking about a divorce or researching your options can leave you feeling uncertain about the potential outcomes of those proceedings. Divorce is often associated with high-stakes decisions and life-altering outcomes, which makes it even more important to understand the legal landscape. Understanding California divorce laws can lend a sense of certainty to what feels like an uncertain situation. Since these laws are continually changing, we offer this updated overview.
Senate Bill 1055: Ending License Suspensions for Low-Income Parents
Signed in 2022 and effective January 1, 2025, SB 1055 stops California from suspending driver’s licenses for child support debtors who earn less than 70% of their county’s median income. It also changes the timeline for enforcement, raising the threshold from 30 days to six months of unpaid support before license suspension is even considered. This change targets a long-standing problem: punishing people who are already financially underwater.
The old system led to job loss and worsening debt. SB 1055 acknowledges that taking someone’s ability to drive can cut off their ability to work. In preparation for the law, California Child Support Services and the DMV released over 149,000 previously suspended licenses in early 2025, marking a massive shift in policy and enforcement.
Senate Bill 343: Modernizing Child Support Calculations
SB 343 went into effect on September 1, 2024. The law updates California’s outdated child support formula to better reflect current income and custody situations. For many years, the old system struggled to fairly calculate obligations in shared custody arrangements or in cases where the obligor is self-employed.
Key changes include a revised “K factor” that adjusts how much net income is used in the formula, more flexibility around income types, and greater weight on how much time a parent actually spends with the child. SB 343 also expands low-income adjustments to cover parents making up to $2,900 in monthly net income. The update may reduce a large backlog of child support arrears, which reached $18.4 billion in 2021.
Generally, California’s child support laws aim to ensure that children receive consistent financial support from both parents, regardless of marital status. Courts calculate payments based on each parent’s income, the amount of time spent with the child, and other relevant financial factors.
Parents are legally obligated to comply with support orders, and failure to pay can result in license suspensions, wage garnishments, and even jail time. However, the goal isn’t to punish. It’s to ensure the child’s needs are met. SB 343 reflects a push toward more accurate and realistic orders that reduce conflict and help parents stay on track financially.
Assembly Bill 2759: Firearms and Domestic Violence Protections.
AB 2759 became law on January 1, 2025. It mandates that anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order must immediately surrender all firearms and ammunition. Previously, some exceptions allowed individuals to retain their weapons under vague professional exemptions. That loophole is now closed.
The bill is especially relevant in places like Orange County, where domestic violence cases remain high. In 2021 alone, 1,072 children were taken into protective custody in Orange County. Courts across the state are now enforcing AB 2759 with urgency.
At the Lamoreaux Justice Center (341 The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868), judges are issuing surrender orders in accordance with the new laws. Any violations near Santa Ana could lead violators to be booked into the Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana (550 N Flower St, Santa Ana, CA 92703).
Domestic violence can have far-reaching implications for a family law case. When there is credible evidence of abuse, judges prioritize the safety of the victim and any children involved. Judges have the authority to order supervised visitations, restricted parenting time, or even the denial of custody rights. The courts take these matters seriously due to the physical and emotional harm that can befall children.
New Rules for Custody and Visitation in 2025
In 2025, California rolled out new rules to better protect children in custody and visitation cases, particularly when there are claims of abuse or substance use. With the help of Senate Bill 599, which passed into law, courts are now required to be more specific when writing orders. This means that judges must clearly explain how these orders keep kids safe, especially if one parent has a troubled history.
Parents cannot agree on vague plans anymore. If they work out a custody deal themselves, it has to include details like exact times, places, and how the kids will be exchanged. Judges must also be clear about why the plan is safe and how it serves the child’s best interest.
Another big change is that the courts now recognize virtual visitation as a real, enforceable option. This means FaceTime or Zoom calls can officially count as parenting time, whether supervised or not, depending on the situation. The goal of the changes is to reduce confusion and ensure child safety. These updates apply statewide, from places like Orange County’s Lamoreaux Justice Center to smaller courts in rural areas.
California Now Protects Child Influencer Earnings
Starting in 2025, California parents who profit from social media posts featuring their kids will be required to share that income. Under new laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, any child featured in monetized online content like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram must have at least 15% of those earnings set aside in a protected trust until the child turns 18.
The rules apply to content that earns more than 10 cents per view and features children regularly. Parents must track how often their kids appear and how much money those appearances generate. If parents fail to follow this law, their children will have the right to file a civil claim once they turn 18.
This is a modern update to California’s 1939 Coogan Law, which was one of the country’s first laws to protect child actors. The law was initially passed after child actor Jackie Coogan came of age and learned that his parents had spent his Hollywood earnings. The new law takes the evolving role of technology into account. The new law was backed by SAG-AFTRA and former child star Demi Lovato. Kids are no longer treated as content and have recognized rights to earned income.
Senate Bill 331
Senate Bill 331, later known as Piqui’s Law, was signed into law in 2023 and became effective in January 2023. The law adds critical protections for children in California family court proceedings. Named after a five-year-old who was murdered by his father after a contentious custody dispute, the law is designed to prioritize child safety above all in cases involving allegations of domestic violence or abuse.
Piqui’s Law restricts the use of reunification programs that may place children in harm’s way. Specifically, it prohibits courts from ordering therapies or services that require children to be physically transferred to an abusive parent. The law also enforces no-contact orders with protective parents as a condition of participation. The law further bans the use of private transport services for forced reunification, a practice that has been heavily criticized in the past.
The law requires judges and court officials to receive training on the dynamics of abuse and trauma. This reinforces the importance of court officials understanding how domestic violence impacts a child’s emotional and physical safety. SB 331 is a direct response to public outcry over family court decisions that placed children back into unsafe environments despite documented abuse.
California Concerned Parents Coalition Pushes for Reforms
California’s family courts could be reformed in the near future due to growing frustration in Humboldt County. Parents with the California Concerned Parents Coalition (CCPC) say they are frustrated by what they call a broken system. They are demanding urgent changes to how the family courts operate in Humboldt County. Members of the group claim that false allegations and judicial misconduct lead to unfair and unlawful outcomes in family court.
Many parents say they are separated from their children based on false allegations that are never verified. One parent lost access to his son two years ago. The coalition calls for reforms to California Family Code Section 3027. They want the code to include penalties for any parent who makes false allegations against the other parent.
The proposal would also implement accountability mechanisms for judges who engage in misconduct. It calls for the courts to recognize prolonged separation from a parent as a serious threat to a child’s well-being. The group continues to grow in visibility, using social media and local organizing to mobilize support.
Tips for Staying Up to Date on Changes to Family Court Laws
Family court laws in California are continually changing. Criminal and civil law changes can also affect domestic relationship matters. To stay informed, check the official California Courts website (courts.ca.gov) for updates, proposed legislation, and new forms.
Sign up for alerts from your local Superior Court, such as the Orange County Superior Court, which often posts changes to rules or procedures. Following trusted legal organizations, including the California State Bar or local family law sections, can also keep you in the loop.
Attending public town halls or webinars hosted by lawmakers or legal aid groups provides insight into how new laws may affect you. Social media pages from legal professionals or advocacy groups like the California Concerned Parents Coalition often share timely news. If you are involved in a case, check in regularly with your attorney or a local self-help center for personalized guidance.
FAQs
Can My Driver’s License Still Be Suspended if I Owe Child Support in California?
Under Senate Bill 1055, effective January 1, 2025, California no longer suspends driver’s licenses for parents whose income is at or below 70% of the area’s median. The threshold for suspension has also increased from 30 days to six months of non-payment. These changes aim to reduce barriers to employment for low-income parents while still enforcing support obligations.
Has California Changed How Child Support Is Calculated?
Yes. As of September 1, 2024, Senate Bill 343 updated California’s child support formula. The changes consider more income sources, adjust for shared parenting time, and provide greater relief for low-income parents. These updates aim to make support orders fairer, more accurate, and easier to enforce across a wider range of family situations.
What Happens to Firearms After a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in California?
Assembly Bill 2759, effective January 1, 2025, requires the immediate surrender of all firearms and ammunition when a domestic violence protective order is issued. Previous exemptions that were designated for certain professionals have been restricted. Courts now take faster action to ensure weapons are turned in, and serious legal consequences are enforced for noncompliance.
What Is The 10-Year Rule for Divorce in California?
The 10-year rule refers to how long-term marriages affect spousal support. In California, marriages lasting 10 years or longer are considered “long duration.” This means spousal support may continue indefinitely unless a court decides otherwise. The rule does not guarantee permanent support, but it gives courts more flexibility to extend payments based on each spouse’s financial situation.
How Many Years Do You Have to Be Married in California to Get Alimony?
There is no minimum length of marriage required to receive alimony in California. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, earning capacity, and standard of living. While longer marriages often result in longer support, short marriages may still lead to temporary alimony. Judges evaluate each case independently to determine whether support is appropriate and for how long.
Schedule Your Divorce Consultation Today
California’s divorce laws continue to evolve, from new child support formulas to changes in domestic violence enforcement and license suspension rules. At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, we stay current on the latest legal updates so you don’t have to. Our team represents clients across Orange County, providing strategic legal counsel on complex divorces involving spousal support, high-asset division, and contested custody cases.
If you’re navigating a separation or preparing to file, now is the time to get clear, informed guidance. Schedule your divorce consultation today to understand how the 2025 laws may affect your case and protect what matters most.
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