How is child support determined?

In California, the amount of child support is determined by the state’s child support guidelines. The guidelines consider the income of both parents, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, the number of dependents in the household, and any special needs of the child. Based on these factors, the court calculates the amount that the parent should pay. A court may deviate from the guidelines if there is a good reason, such as a parent having unusually high medical or educational expenses, or if the child’s needs require a higher amount of support. Additionally, if a parent pays for daycare or medical expenses, the court might adjust the support amount accordingly. The court will also consider any other income the parent might have, such as wages from other jobs. Additionally, the court may consider the potential income for each parent, such as their educational level and job skills. If the amount of support is still in dispute, the court may order that a study be done. The study will consider both parents’ financial situations and the needs of the child. This often helps the court arrive at a more reasonable decision. Ultimately, the court will consider all the factors and decide the appropriate amount of support for the child. The court may periodically review the child support order and make changes as necessary, taking into account the changing circumstances of the parent or the child.

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How is child support determined?

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