Calculating Child Support in Southern CA

How much will I or my co-parent have to pay in child support? 
The answer will differ in every case.

California courts use several criteria to make an appropriate determination for child support. Our firm understands these factors and can help you make an educated estimation. For a more exact calculation, contact our lawyers today!

How Is Child Support Determined in California?

Courts in California will calculate child support payments based on the income of both parents to ensure that the child is receiving a proportionally appropriate amount of financial support from both households. Parents are legally required to provide for their children to the best of their ability, and child support orders will reflect this expectation.

First, it is important to define what is considered sources of income:

• Dividends
• Alimony
• Commissions
• Wages
• Overtime
• Salaries
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers’ compensation benefits

Factors that a court will consider when determining child support amounts include:

• Interests of the child that require financial support
• Standard of living of both parents and child
• Custody arrangements
• Special monetary needs of the child, including medical and educational
• Health care coverage available to the child

You can also reference the California Child Support Calculator. It is based on California Child Support Guidelines and can be used to estimate the amount of child support that may be ordered on your case. However, it is important to keep in mind that these are just guidelines. Actual determination of child support can be made more accurately by consulting with an experienced child support attorney, such as those who compose the team at our law firm.

Length of a Child Support Order in California

Child support must be paid until the child becomes 18, unless the child has not graduated from high school. At this time, the law does not give judges the authority to make a parent support a child beyond the age of 19, unless the child is physically or mentally disabled. However, the parents can agree that child support is to continue into the college years, and these agreements will be enforced by the Family Law Court.

Request Your Free Phone Consultation – (855) 747-6225!

To get started with your child support case, contact Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC. Backed by the expert experience of ten Certified Family Law Specialists, our Southern California child support law firm can provide you with the legal counsel to ensure that your children are getting the financial support they need and deserve.