Rule 5.340.Judicial education for child support commissioners
Division 1. Family Rules · Chapter 10. Government Child Support Cases (Title IV-D Support Cases) · Last amended 2023 · Last verified September 10, 2026
In one sentenceRule 5.340 requires every child support commissioner to complete a basic education programme within a year and an update every calendar year after.
Every commissioner whose principal judicial assignment is to hear child support matters must attend the following judicial education programs:
(1)Basic child support law education Within one year of beginning an assignment as a child support commissioner, the judicial officer must attend a basic educational program on California child support law and procedure designed primarily for judicial officers. The training program must include instruction on both state and federal laws concerning child support. A judicial officer who has completed the basic educational program need not attend the basic educational program again.
(2)Continuing education The judicial officer must attend an update on new developments in child support law and procedure at least once each calendar year.
(3)Other child support education To the extent that judicial time and resources are available, the judicial officer is encouraged to attend additional educational programs on child support and other related family law issues.
(4)Other judicial education The requirements of this rule are in addition to and not in lieu of the requirements of rule 10.462.
End
Plain-English Summary
A commissioner whose principal assignment is child support must attend a basic educational programme on California child support law and procedure within one year of starting — a programme designed primarily for judicial officers and covering both state and federal law. Once completed, it need not be repeated.
After that comes an annual obligation: an update on new developments in child support law and procedure at least once each calendar year. The rule also encourages further education on child support and related family law issues as time and resources allow.
The closing provision prevents double-counting: these requirements are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the general judicial education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What training does a child support commissioner need?
A basic educational programme on California child support law and procedure within one year of beginning the assignment, covering state and federal law, plus an annual update on new developments.
Does that replace ordinary judicial education?
No. These requirements are in addition to and not in lieu of the requirements of rule 10.462.
Amendment History
Rule 5.340 amended effective January 1, 2023; adopted as rule 1280.8 effective July 1, 1999; previously amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2003; previously amended effective January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2017.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from
the Judicial Council of California. Adopted by the Judicial Council of California.
Last verified September 10, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:child support commissioner training Californiajudicial education child supportcommissioner continuing education