Child Support

Child Support

Under California family law, all child support is calculated using uniform state guidelines. While a court ultimately decides the child support amount for each case, your family lawyer is able to calculate a reasonable estimate of the amount of child support you owe to your child’s other parent or the amount the other parent owes you by using the California Guideline Child Support Calculator.

Factors That Determine Child Support

Child support is usually paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to contribute to the cost of raising the child. The custodial parent is the parent that the child resides with the majority of the time. The amount of child support to be paid is based on disposable net income. Net disposable monthly income is a function of all income sources, whether or not they are reported to or taxed by the state or federal government.

While California state guidelines are very strict, they do consider factors which affect your net disposable monthly income, such as:

• Hardship
• Child support paid on other children
• How much timeshare each parent has
• Mandatory union dues or retirement contributions
• Job related expenses
• Health insurance premiums
• Taxes

The court may or may not consider such deductions when calculating a guideline child support obligation. Experienced San Diego family lawyer Shana Black can create a persuasive presentation of the facts in pursuit of having such deductions granted.

Child Support Modifications

After a divorce has been finalized, it is sometimes necessary to make changes to the original order. Child support orders can be modified to meet changed needs in the parents’ or child’s life and either parent can petition the court for a modification. Reasons for requesting a modification may include:

• Special healthcare concerns of the child
• Significant changes in receiving spouse’s income
• Involuntary loss of employment by paying spouse
• Change in amount of time non-custodial parent spends with supported child
• And more

Shana Black – On Your Side

As a devoted family lawyer in the San Diego area with years of experience, Shana Black can help you separate emotional issues from legal and financial issues and will ensure that your interests and desires as a loving parent are protected throughout your divorce –and beyond. If you have any legal questions regarding child support payments, negotiations, modifications or more, contact Shana Black today for a consultation at 1-619-557-0122 or email info@shanablack.com to learn more about all of your San Diego child support options.