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When you get married, you don't go into it thinking you'll get divorced. Unfortunately, divorce is an all-too-common reality for many couples. You have a child with your ex, which means you must both do the best you can to raise, educate, and prepare them for adulthood. When finances split after divorce, raising a child on one income can prove challenging. Fortunately, the state of California is determined to ensure that children of divorced parents are materially secure, no matter who they live with.
How is California Child Support Calculated
In each divorce case involving children, the court will determine who will be the primary caregiver, which is typically referred to as the custodial parent. This is the parent the child primarily resides with. They are responsible for the day-to-day management and care of the child. In this role, they will have expenses—expenses that must be met even though the two parents are no longer together and have separate lives and bank accounts.
California law has a statewide uniform guideline for courts to adhere to when making child support decisions. The guidelines state that each parent should be obligated to support the wellbeing of their children. The guidelines provide a base formula to determine how much a parent will pay in support. They also state that the court can divide child support obligations among parents based on income and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
In California, a standard formula is used to calculate the amount of child support that a non-custodial parent must pay to the custodial parent. The formula accounts for the following factors:
The amount of money made by each parent
All other income received by each parent
The number of children in need of support
Health insurance costs
Daycare expenses
Additional expenses such as private school, transportation, or private tutoring
The formula provides a base guideline that a parent can expect to pay in support. However, the court can order additional support to help with extra expenses.
Need Help Calculating Child Support?
For parents going through a divorce, it is essential to know the amount of child support they can expect to pay or receive. Understanding how California calculates this amount can better prepare parents going through a custody case to ensure they will be able to provide for their children.
However, the Law Offices of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C., understands how confusing it can be to determine this amount. However, our Folsom child support lawyers are here to help. We will look out for your best interests to protect you and your child’s rights. Do not hesitate to contact us today if you are concerned about child support matters.
Call our Folsom child support lawyers today at (916) 794-4576 to request a consultation.