The answers on this page are not intended to be all encompassing. Rather, they are to give you a basic understanding of the issues. For answers to your specific legal questions, contact our office to schedule your consultation appointment.

Child Support FAQ

1. How Much Child Support will I pay/receive?
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The California legislature has created a complex mathematical formula for calculating child support. It includes many factors such as income, custodial timeshare, taxes and mandatory deductions from income for items such as union dues and retirement. California uses two computer programs to calculate child support to determine what is often called ‘guideline child support’. To properly calculate child support takes some knowledge of both family law and state and federal tax laws.

2. What about my expenses?
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California law allows for very few expenses to be considered when discussing child support. The legislature has determined that child support should be the number one financial concern and virtually all other expenses aren’t typically considered.

3. How can I collect child support?
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Child support is typically payable through wage garnishment. An order to withhold income can be obtained through the courts. California also has a child support collection agency, Department of Child Support Services (link). Their office has other options to assist in the collection of child support.

4. Can my child support be increased/reduced?
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There are requirements to modify existing child support orders. The answer to this question would require a substantive review of a number of factors to discuss the options that you may have to modify your order.