CHANGES TO THE FAMILY CODE ENACTED IN 2024

Written by Andrew J. Botros, CFLS, CALS^*

Here are the noteworthy changes to the Family Code passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom in 2024. Please take special note of the effective dates.

SENATE BILL NO. 1427 (2023-2024 REG. SESS.) ("SB 1427")
EFFECTIVE DATE: JAN. 1, 2026
AMENDS FAMILY CODE SECTIONS 2330, 2331, 2342, 2401, AND 2402 AND ADDS FAMILY CODE SECTIONS 2342.5 AND 2342.51

This law now adds the ability of parties to a dissolution of marriage or legal separation proceeding to file a joint petition for dissolution of marriage. If the parties file a "joint petition and joint summons, in a form and content approved by the Judicial Council, the joint petition shall be deemed to be served on both parties upon the filing of the joint petition with the court and both parties shall be determined to have appeared in the matter."