List of Our Essential California Child Support Guides and Articles
Whether you're calculating parenting time, modifying existing orders, or dealing with high-income situations, our California Child Support Guides and Articles provide foundational knowledge for nearly every situation.
Child Support Guides
California Child Support Laws and Guidelines
California child support laws are more than just income and parenting time. This comprehensive guide is the benchmark for understanding our laws, which can range from the simple to the very complex.
Calculating Parenting Time Percentage
Parenting time percentage plays a big role in calculating child support. The more time a parent spends with the child, the lower their financial obligation might be. This article explains how to calculate parenting time accurately.
Modification of Child Support
Life changes, and so do circumstances affecting child support. Modifying an existing child support order is not as easy as to going to court and asking for a change. This section covers the process for requesting and obtaining a modification.
Extraordinarily High-Income Earner
When one parent has an extraordinarily high income, the standard child support guidelines may not apply. This article discusses how courts handle such cases, ensuring the child benefits from the parent's wealth without unjustly enriching the other parent.
Child Support Income and Guideline Factors
Child Support Income Calculation
Income is the foundation of child support calculations. This article breaks down how courts determine income for child support purposes, including wages, bonuses, and other sources. Understanding how income is calculated can help anticipate support obligations.
California Guideline Factors
California uses specific guidelines to calculate child support. These guidelines consider income, parenting time, tax filing status, insurance costs, and other factors. This section outlines the key components influencing the final support amount, helping parents understand what to expect.
Ostler-Smith Additions to Child Support
Ostler-Smith orders require additional support based on bonuses, overtime or other fluctuating income. This article explains how these orders work and when they might be applied, providing clarity for parents who receive irregular income.
Deviation from Child Support Guideline
There are situations where the standard guideline calculation may not fit. Courts can deviate from the guidelines based on various factors. This section explores when and why a deviation might occur, offering insight into how courts approach these decisions.
Child Support Add-Ons
Child Support Add-Ons
Add-ons include necessary expenses beyond basic child support, such as child care, health care, and educational costs. This article explains how courts determine which add-ons apply and how they affect the total support obligation.
Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance is a common add-on in child support cases. This section covers the requirements for providing health insurance for the child and how these costs are factored into the support calculation.
Uninsured Health Care Costs
Parents may be required to contribute to additional uninsured health care costs for the minor children. This article explains how those costs are calculated and enforced.
Child Care Expenses
Child care is often a significant expense for working parents. This article discusses how courts handle childcare costs, ensuring that both parents share the financial responsibility according to their ability to pay.