Whether two parents are living in the same household or not, they both have a responsibility to provide for their children. Regardless of your child custody arrangement, providing child support ensures a child’s needs are met. Like many states, California support payments are calculated through a standardized formula that considers aspects of both parents’ lives and income to reach a final value. The following is an overview of how California courts decide how much a parent should pay for child support.

Factors Used to Determine Child Support 

Child support payments are ordered as a result of paternity or a child custody arrangement following the dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership.  

In California, child support values take into account each parent’s income, the amount of time each parent spends with the children, and any tax deductions that apply to them. Courts also consider childcare costs and mandatory payroll deductions for health insurance, pensions, or union dues.

When assessing income, all sources are accounted for, including salaries, commissions, bonuses, tips, unemployment benefits, disability, rental income, dividends, and lottery winnings.

Modifying a Child Support Order 

Once a child support order has been established, either parent can request a modification as long as they can prove there has been a significant change in their circumstances. This can include a change in child custody, a change in employment status or income, incarceration, or a significant change in the costs of the child’s childcare, healthcare, or education needs. Modifications cannot be requested based on any informal payments made to the parent with custody, as these do not count towards the court order.

Child support cases can be confusing for parents, so trust My Legal Team, Inc. in Los Angeles County to assist you. With over 30 years of combined experience handling family law issues, their attorneys can advise in cases including divorce, child custody, wills & trusts, and marriage settlement agreements for a flat fee. Visit their website for further information on their areas of expertise, or call (562) 479-0900 to schedule a consultation.