SPOUSAL SUPPORT

Sets forth a goal for parties receiving spousal support to become self-supporting. Judicial discretion is retained so that in those cases where 1/2 the length of the marriage would not be an appropriate length of time the judge may continue the support. (Effective 1/1/97, Family Code Section 4320 and 4330)

ALERT--This law was endanger of being overturned in 1997 by SB 400, but Governor Wilson vetoed that bill to allow the above law to stand as is.

Give time share credit to non-custodial parents whose former spouse receives AFDC. Previous law did not give a time share credit to a non-custodial parent whose former spouse was receiving AFDC, even if the non-custodial parent had the children 50%of the time, it was treated as 0% time share when the courts calculated support awards. (Effective 1/1/94, Family Code Section 4055)

NEW MATE'S INCOME

Makes it illegal to consider the new mate's income when calculating child support. Previous law allowed the courts to include the new mate's income when calculating child support payments. It is not fair to make anyone other than the biological parents financially responsible for their children. (Effective 1/1/94, Family Code Section 4057.5)

HEALTH CARE EXPENSES

Assures that a parent will receive reimbursement by the other parent for their court ordered portion of the children's uninsured health care expenses. (Effective 1/1/95, Family Code Section 4068)

ARREARAGES AND PENALTIES

Requires the District Attorney's Office to notify the paying parent of any support arrearages prior to applying interest or penalties. (Effective 1/1/95)

PHASES IN LARGE CHILD SUPPORT INCREASES

Phases in a large support increase over a period of time instead of an immediate increase. Previous law did not allow this causing financial hardships for paying parents. (Effective 1/1/94, Family Code Section 4076)

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