Doyle Golde Grossman - Family Law Site

Child Support

Child support is calculated using a complex formula that considers the income of each parent, the amount of time each parent spends with the child and the tax deductions available to either parent. (California Family Code § 4050)

A court will decide on a case-by-case basis how much support one parent is required to pay based on the best interests of the child.  Child support may be ordered to cover childcare expenses, medical and dental expenses, summer camps, or private schools.

Child support may be modified until it terminates when the child is 18 or 19 if the child is still a high school student. To request a modification, one party must demonstrate “changed circumstances.” Changed circumstances include a change in the income of either party, a change in visitation time, or special needs of the child.