Understanding Child Support in California

In California, both parents have the legal duty to provide financial support for their child whether they are married, divorced, or even live with their children. The goal is to ensure the child's needs are met and that neither parent bears an unfair financial burden. 

Areas of Child Support:

The court may order either or both parents to make regular payments to cover the following:

·      General support - Basic needs of the child, including food, clothes, and housing costs

·      Medical support- Medical expenses, health care, health insurance, dental expenses

·      Childcare support - Childcare expenses, daycare costs

Amount of Child Support:

The amount of support is determined by a formula based on the parents' incomes and time spent with the child. California has a statewide guideline for child support using a standard formula based on after-tax income of the parents and the amount of time each parent has physical custody of the child.

Aspects of Child Support:

Whether you're a parent in California who's getting divorced, or were never married to your child's other parent, you should be aware of certain aspects of child support.

·      Legal Obligation - Both parents are legally obligated to support their children until they turn 18 (or 19 if still in high school and living with a parent). 

·      Payment Methods - Payments are often made through income withholding orders (wage garnishment) or directly to the State Disbursement Unit (SDU).

·      Enforcement - There are various methods for enforcing child support orders, including wage garnishment, liens, and other legal actions. 

·      Modifications - Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or parenting time. 

·      Arrears - Unpaid child support, known as arrears, accrues simple interest at 10% annually and can be pursued through enforcement actions. 

·      Termination- Child support typically ends when the child reaches the age of 18 (or 19 if still in high school and living with a parent), marries, joins the military, or becomes emancipated. 

Why Hire an Attorney for Help with Child Support

Most legal issues involving children bring out intense emotions, whether child support or child custody. This makes it difficult to manage with a clear mind. It’s important to approach difficult family and economic issues with reason and objectivity. Regardless of the specific circumstances of your child support case, an experienced child support attorney can guide you through the process.

The Law Office of Kyle Gurwell will represent you and help protect both your legal rights and your personal interests. We will help secure the best possible result in a child support order, enforcement of an existing order, or in establishing or disproving paternity.

If you are dealing with child support or custody issues, call us at 562-600-9989 today to schedule your consultation.