What Impact Will Child Support Have On Your Divorce?
Anytime child support or other money discussions come up in a divorce proceeding, they can be points of major contention. The child support amount and the idea of fairness and the burdens associated with child support can be resolved. It does not have to become the major point of your case. Most importantly child support is for the benefit of your children.
Child Support Comes Down To The Numbers In California
While sometimes difficult to resolve, there is an important fact to remember: child support payments are set by a guideline. The program that Los Angeles County uses for child support calculation is called Xspouse, and it seeks to find a balanced arrangement of support based on the financial circumstances of both parents and the amount of time each parent has with their children.
The equations look at several pieces of information, including:
- The income of each parent
- The financial resources of each parent
- Each parent’s time spent with the child
- Health care costs for the child
- Applicable hardship deductions
- Allowable tax and other deductions
You Can Know How Much Support You Will Pay
As long as you have accurate information regarding all the factors that go into a support calculation, you can figure out a close estimate of your potential payments. However, as with any legal consideration, there is often a great deal of discussion about the true weight of the numbers. We can advise you on the process and show you how the calculation is determined.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Child Support
Parents who are navigating child support concerns often feel uncertain about how California rules apply to their situation. Clear information can help you understand what to expect and how to plan for the future.
Does joint custody mean I do not have to pay child support in California?
Joint custody does not automatically eliminate child support obligations. California uses a guideline formula that considers each parent’s income, the amount of parenting time and the child’s financial needs.
Even when parents share time equally, support may still be ordered if one parent earns significantly more or covers more of the child’s daily expenses. Courts focus on prioritizing arrangements that allow the child to enjoy a stable standard of living in both homes.
Can child support be modified if my income changes?
In some cases, child support can be modified when a parent experiences a substantial change in circumstances. A meaningful shift may involve job loss, a reduction in work hours, a significant pay increase or new financial responsibilities such as supporting another child.
Parents should request a modification as soon as the change occurs because courts generally do not adjust support retroactively. Documenting income changes carefully helps the court evaluate whether changes are appropriate.
What are child support “add-ons” in California?
The state of California requires that in addition to the base amount of child support, certain mandatory add-ons are ordered to help ensure that children receive consistent care beyond basic support. These include reasonable child care costs related to employment or education and uninsured health care expenses.
Courts may also order discretionary add-ons such as educational costs or travel expenses for visitation when they benefit the child. Parents should review these items carefully because add-ons can significantly affect the total amount each parent pays.
How long does child support last in California?
Child support typically continues until a child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at 18, support usually lasts until age 19 or graduation from high school as long as the child remains enrolled in the 12th grade full-time and lives with a parent. Support may end earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated, marries or passes away.
Parents of children with significant disabilities may have support obligations that extend into adulthood when the child cannot be self-supporting.
Let Us Pursue Your Child Support Goals
It’s important to understand what you want out of your child support agreement. There is room to negotiate and maneuver in these discussions, and as experienced and respected child support lawyers, we can make a difference. You have options. Reach out to us today by calling 310-905-6463 or sending an email.