How Is Child Support Calculated In California?

Very simply, in California child support is calculated with the goal of providing a fair outcome in each case by using uniform guidelines. These  child support guidelines apply an equation that calculates the amount each parent will owe in child support. The child support amount is determined by a formula that considers the higher-earning parent’s income, the percentage of ti me they spend with the child, and both parents' combined income. This ensures a fair distribution of financial support for the child.

Many Factors Can Impact Your Child Support Obligations

When you are required to pay child support, the court will look at a broad range of factors when calculating your payment obligations. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Your gross income
• Your net income
• Your tax obligations
• Your percentage of physical custody under your child custody agreement
• Whether you are paying for the children’s health insurance
• If you are making retirement contributions, whether they are mandatory or voluntary 401(k) contributions
• If your child needs childcare, which can be split proportionately
• If the Department of Child Services is involved in your case

Each of these factors will make a difference in what you will potentially owe with your child support obligation. It is important if you are anticipating needing to confront child support issues in your future that you work with a skilled attorney who can help you navigate these issues.

A certified family law specialist, with their knowledge and skill in these disputes, could help you form a strategy that will work to accomplish your goals. Every certified family law specialist in California is rigorously tested, peer reviewed and recommended, and eminently experienced in complex family law problems. You can rest assured that when you work with a legal specialist, your case is in knowledgeable, expert hands.

Upcoming Changes To The Child Support System

One new change is coming to the child support system in California. Currently, courts use the software program DissoMaster as one of the certified calculators to determine child support obligations. However, as of November 1, 2024, DissoMaster will no longer be receiving updates to its tax calculations, and starting March 1, 2025, DissoMaster will no longer be certified to be used by California courts. There are several alternative support calculators, such as those from the official California court website, Family Law Software, Xspouse and others that will remain certified to be used after this change.

What Can Change Your Support Obligations?

If you are already under a child support obligation, it is not impossible for it to change. Your child support obligation remains for as long as your child is under 18, and it can change at any time during that period. If you are paying child support, and you have a material change in your circumstances, you can apply for a modification in your support obligations. These material changes can be several different occurrences that might impact your net income, such as:

• A change in income
• An increase in physical custody percentage
• A job change
• The birth of another child
• Getting married

Any of these changes that could substantially impact your overall income could be grounds for having your child support obligation changed. This could include having your obligation increased if these resulted in a net increase in your income, or a decrease if you suffered a significant involuntary decrease in your net income.

On the other hand, if you are the party that has primary physical custody of the child and is receiving child support and has a material change in circumstances, then the party paying the child support can seek to change their support obligation. The burden is on the moving party to argue for why the child support obligation is no longer working and needs to be changed.

A Certified Family Law Specialist Can Help You Navigate Your Support Obligations

A Certified Family Law Specialist can provide invaluable assistance in child support cases from the outset by guiding you through the complexities of calculating your obligations accurately, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered. They possess the expertise to help you understand the legal intricacies and prepare a strong case for a fair support agreement. Additionally, if circumstances change and a modification is necessary, these specialists can effectively navigate the legal process to advocate for adjustments that reflect your current situation, whether it's due to changes in income, custody arrangements or other significant life events. Their experience and knowledge are essential in achieving a just outcome in both establishing and modifying child support obligations.