Child Support

California recognizes the general obligation of both parents to support their minor children “in the manner suitable to the child’s circumstances. As required by Federal law California has adopted a state uniform guideline which California courts must follow when adjudicating any kind of support award for children (whether “temporary” or “permanent”) in any child support proceeding. The court may depart from the guideline only in the special circumstances. The primary factors in determining a guideline child support award are:
  1. The income of each parent, and
  2. The amount of time each parent spends with the child
California Guideline Support is calculated using court approved software that determines the exact amount to be paid. The case becomes complicated when a parent’s income is difficult to determine due to self-employment or fluctuations in income, a parent is under-employed, or the parent does not need to work because he or she is receiving financial assistance elsewhere. Our office has handled all of the issues at various times and can make sure that the correct amount of child support is ordered.