July 29, 2022, In Child Support
At WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC, our family law attorney in Los Angeles knows that in the eyes of the California family court, the children’s well-being is the most important aspect of the child custody case.
That is true whether parents are pursuing a divorce, or have never been married.
Once child custody is determined, Los Angeles child support is the next decision that must be made and is typically awarded to the parent who receives primary custody of the kids. When parents are unable to make this financial decision on their own, or during private mediation sessions, the court will determine and award an amount.
Typically, when the latter is the case, one parent — or maybe both — often reflects on the question, “Is the child support amount fair?”
Our Los Angeles County child support attorneys help our clients understand how these decisions are made, so they can put the guesswork aside.
What Expenses Does Child Support Cover in California?
Child support is either decided upon by the parents, or ordered by the California family court, and is usually paid by the parent who does not have custody of the kids.
Child support is designed to help contribute to:
- Housing
- Food
- Clothing
- Transportation
- Medical Care
- Child Care
- Education, Supplies, and Extracurricular Activities
Child support is designed to maintain the quality of life the children enjoyed with both parents in the same home, as they transition into a single-parent household.
How Do the California Family Courts Decide the Child Support Amount?
When considering the amount of child support necessary for each family, the judge will examine multiple factors, including:
- The number of children shared by the parents
- The current custodial agreement and parenting plan
- The ability of the non-custodial parent to pay support
Other factors that may be considered by the court include, but are not limited to:
- Childcare Costs
- Dental and Vision Care
- Medical Insurance
- Requirements for Children With Special Needs
When parents share joint physical custody of the children, the child support agreement will be based on the percentage of time the children spend with each parent. The question of whether the amount is fair is a common concern. However, the needs of the children, the financial standing of each parent, and the California child support guideline calculator often provide clear explanations regarding the ordered amount.
Contact WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have questions about child custody, parenting plans, child support, or modification requests in California, contact our skilled family law attorneys in Los Angeles County at WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC by calling 310-552-3505 to schedule a free consultation today.
We can help provide solutions that produce results.
Related Links:
- California Man Sentenced to Jail After Failing to Pay $139K in Child Support
- Man Continues Protesting Child Support Order After DNA Test Confirmed Child Was Not His
- Man Forced to Obey Child Support Order Despite Failed Paternity Test
- Delinquent Child Support Payments in California
- Frequently Asked California Child Support Questions and Answers
- What are the Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support in California?
