SB 1055 and Child Support Debt –
For years, California’s harsh policy of suspending driver’s licenses over unpaid child support trapped struggling parents in a vicious cycle—no license meant no job, which meant no way to pay. But thanks to SB 1055, effective January 2025, thousands of low-income parents now have a path forward. At Hayat Family Law, we’ve helped dozens of clients navigate these new protections. Here’s what you need to know.
What Changed Under SB 1055?
California’s new law:
✅ Ends automatic license suspensions for parents earning ≤70% of their county’s median income
✅ Creates a payment plan option as low as $50/month
✅ Requires courts to consider hardships like medical issues or job loss
Real Impact: Just last month, we kept a single mom’s license intact despite $8,000 in arrears—she’s now driving for DoorDash to catch up.
Who Qualifies for Protection?
You may be eligible if:
– Your adjusted gross income is at or below:
– $42,000/year in LA County
– $38,000/year in Riverside County
– $45,000/year in Orange County
– You’ve experienced:
– Job loss (documented layoff notices help)
– Medical disability (even temporary)
– Natural disaster impacts (like recent floods)
Warning: This doesn’t erase what you owe—it just prevents license suspension while you pay.
3 Steps to Protect Your License
1. File a “Hardship Declaration” (Form FL-435)
We help clients:
– Calculate exact income percentages
– Attach pay stubs or tax returns
– Highlight special circumstances
2. Request a Modified Payment Plan
Typical options:
– Income-based payments (as low as 5% of monthly income)
– Temporary reductions (6-12 month grace periods)
– Community service credits (new under SB 1055)
3. Attend Your Hearing Prepared
Judges now consider:
– Public transit access (especially in car-dependent areas like the Valley)
– Job requirements (delivery drivers, home health aides, etc.)
– Childcare logistics (no license could mean missing visitation)
Why Los Angeles Parents Face Unique Challenges
Our car-centric city makes this law especially critical because:
– 84% of jobs require reliable transportation (UCLA study)
– Public transit gaps leave many neighborhoods isolated
– Rideshare costs eat up child support payments
Case Example: A construction worker from Compton kept his license by proving bus routes didn’t reach his 5AM job site.
How We’ve Helped Clients
Recent successes include:
– $18,000 debt renegotiation for a disabled veteran
– Retroactive relief for wrongly suspended licenses
– Emergency motions when clients face imminent suspension
Don’t lose your ability to work and parent over child support debt. Call (310) 917-1044 to explore your options under SB 1055.
