Sonoma County has cracked the code on child support

Sonoma County has become California’s leader in cooperative child support agreements by prioritizing empathy over adversarial courtroom battles.

For the second consecutive year, the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services leads California in helping parents reach stipulated agreements. In 2024, 58% of cases ended with voluntary agreements, more than double the state average of 23%.

Supervisor Lynda Hopkins stated: “Our County’s commitment to putting families first is making a real difference.”

Since 2014, the majority of child support cases in Sonoma County have concluded with stipulated agreements, helping parents avoid lengthy court proceedings and promoting greater compliance and better outcomes for children.

Among California’s 14 mid-sized counties, Sonoma County ranks second-highest in overall child support order establishment, with nearly 95% of cases resulting in either stipulated agreements or court-ordered support, compared to an 87% statewide average.

Interim Director Gigi Mertle emphasized: “These results reflect the deep commitment of our staff to helping families navigate a complex and emotional process.”

Last year, the department managed over 9,000 cases, distributing more than $30 million to benefit approximately 13,100 children.

Unlike private collection agencies, Sonoma County’s services are free and prioritize cooperation over confrontation, resulting in greater parental participation and improved financial stability for children.