Child Support

In California, child support is the amount of money that a court can order a parent or both parents to pay every month for the expense of raising the child(ren). Both parents have equal responsibility for the support of their minor child “in the manner suitable to the child’s circumstances.” Parents are legally required to provide for their child(ren) until the child(ren):

Turns 18 years of age, and has graduated from high school;

Turns 19 years old; or

Marries, dies, or is legally free in some way, such as joining the military.

Courts can also enforce an agreement between the parents for continued support of an adult child, such as if the child is disabled and cannot support him or herself. There is no maximum age limiting the parents’ continued support.

Determining The Amount Of Child Support:

Both parents are required to fill out an Income and Expense Declaration and provide proof of the amount of their income. Next, the judge will calculate how much each parent is required to pay in child support, considering the amount of time that a child spends with each parent, as well as each parent’s income or earning capacity.

Normally, the less time a parent spends with a child, the more he or she may be ordered to pay in child support; however, these guidelines include complex calculations, and there is room for adjustment in many cases based on circumstance. Parents may also come to an agreement on their own without the Court’s intervention.

Given the cost of living in Bay Area, establishing a proper amount of child support is important for each parent. If you are seeking to establish child support or to defend against a support action, please contact our office to receive sound advice from an experienced attorney.