Multifamily Adjustment Law Changes (HB0275 / SB1038)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Effective October 1, 2025

This new law changes how a parent’s financial responsibilities are factored into the child support guidelines, especially when they have children in multiple households.

1. What is changing about child support calculations?

The Multifamily Adjustment law creates more equitable child support orders by considering a parent’s financial responsibility for supporting other children residing within their household. This adjustment takes into account the general support a parent is providing to their own child(ren) living in their home who are not part of a child support order.

The major change is a new deduction: When calculating a parent’s income for support purposes, the court can now provide a financial allowance (a deduction) for a child who lives in the parent’s home, even if there is no court order requiring support for that child. This deduction may not be applied to child support orders based on imputed (or potential) income.

To qualify for income adjustment, the parent must meet all of the following conditions:

  • The parent has a legal duty of support to the child (e.g. birth, adoption).
  • The parent is not under an existing court order to support that child.
  • The child resides with the parent for more than 92 overnights in a year.

2. What do I need to do if I’m a Custodial Parent (CP) regarding the Multifamily Adjustment?

This change affects how the court calculates either parent’s income, by recognizing the financial responsibility to the other child(ren) residing in the home. This may impact the amount of support ordered.

  1. No immediate action is required. This adjustment is considered when a motion for modification is filed.
  2. If a motion to modify the existing child support order is filed for other reasons, the income adjustment may be considered by the court. Review any court documents you receive carefully and participate in court proceedings as usual.
  3. If you believe the noncustodial parent’s (NCP) claim about their household size or overnights is incorrect, you should be prepared to present evidence to the court.
  4. If you have a claim about your household size or overnights for other children in your home, you should be prepared to present evidence to the court. Clear evidence to the court may include:
    1. Proof that you are the legal parent of the child(ren) for whom you seek the allowance.
    2. Documentation (like school records, doctor bills, or custody agreements) showing the child lives with you for more than 92 overnights per year.
  5. Seek Legal Advice: Since this is a new and specific deduction, you may wish to consult with an attorney to ensure any motion and documentation are complete and accurate.

    6. 3. What do I need to do if I’m a Noncustodial Parent regarding the Multifamily Adjustment?

    This change affects how the court calculates either parent’s income, by recognizing the financial responsibility to the other child(ren) residing in the home. This may impact the amount of support ordered.

    1. No immediate action is required. This adjustment is considered when a motion for modification is filed.
    2. If a motion to modify the existing child support order is filed for other reasons, the income adjustment may be considered by the court. Review any court documents you receive carefully and participate in court proceedings as usual.
    3. If you believe the CP’s claim about their household size or overnights is incorrect, you should be prepared to present evidence to the court.
    4. If you have a claim about your household size or overnights for other children in your home, you should be prepared to present evidence to the court. Clear evidence to the court may include:
      1. Proof that you are the legal parent of the child(ren) for whom you seek the allowance.
      2. Documentation (like school records, doctor bills, or custody agreements) showing the child lives with you for more than 92 overnights per year.
    5. Seek Legal Advice: Since this is a new and specific deduction, you may wish to consult with an attorney to ensure any motion and documentation are complete and accurate.

      6. Contact Information: For questions or to provide information, please contact your local Child Support office or call 1-800-332-6347.