How Much is Child Support in California – FACTORS
How much is child support in California is determined based on the following factors:
- Time each parent has with the child ( % mother time, % father time.
- Father’s and mother’s gross income.
- Some payroll deductions
- Tax deductions either parent can claim
How Much is Child Support in California – Guideline FORMULA
The foundation of child support in California is Guideline set in the California Family Code, §§ 4050 to 4076. We have discussed the underlying principles and the purpose of the Guideline in the article child support on this website.
how much is child support in California can be generally calculated by the complex formula:
Child Support= combined total of both parents’ income to be allocated for child support (Higher parent income – % higher earner with child X combined total net monthly disposable income of both parents.
Practically, neither attorneys nor judges use the formula, they use the software calculation child and spousal support called dissomaster.
If both parents are represented and the hearing is in the courthouse ( in the alternative of on-line appearances), usually the judge sends both attorney in the special room in the courthouse to determine how much is child support in California. The important point to address is before calculating child support, the court ( or parents themselves) needs to establish child custody and visitation.
The first factor in calculating how much is child support in California is the percentage of time spent with the children.
How Much is Child Support in California – TIMESHARE
In the calculation of the percentage of the time, the parent should count how many hours he/she spend with the child a week in average. Keeping in mind – 168 hours/ week and 52 weeks/year you can estimate the basic percentage a year. After that, you should include holidays, special days such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, vacations.
The second factor is the father’s and mother’s income. In order to apply for child support, both parents must exchange income and expense declaration with attached pay stubs for the last two months or tax return if a parent is self-employed. There are separate sections in a dissomaster to place an income from your employment or self-employment.
Sometimes the court can deviates from the guideline calculation of child support. For example, if one parent’s income is very high and the child’s needs are satisfied from the reasonable child support amount, the court would not calculate the child support according to dissomaster.
Another example is when a child has special needs or additional medical assistance, the court will require more than guideline calculation of child support.
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