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5 Need-To-Knows About Child Support In California

Wages and tips Unemployment benefits Disability and workers compensation Rental Income Pensions and Social Security benefits

Each parent's monthly disposable net income is a key factor…

You can look to your custody arrangement to see how time sharing is broken down: !  Days !  Weekends !  Holidays !  Special events, etc   The payment amount is based on the percentage of time you spend with your child.   *Source the California Department of Child Support Services

…so is the time each parent spends with the child.

Your calculation could differ from the judge's calculation. Calculating child support can differ from user to user because of: !  What calculator was used !  The assumptions the user made !  Which parent claims the child !  How each parent sees their

parenting time percentage

The judge has the final say on the child support amount.  

Child support agreements made outside of court are no guarantee.   Judges in California have the final say about what's best for the child.  

You need to show a change in circumstances to get an order modified…   California law requires you to show there has been a "change in circumstances" in order to seek modification of a child support order.

…unless the amount ordered was too low. Depending on circumstances, a judge may order payments below guideline amounts. In these cases, you do not need to show a change in circumstances. *Source California Courts, Judicial Branch of California

You don't need to seek child support on your own.  

California law allows you to obtain counsel from an attorney when handling child support matters.   An attorney can help you: !  Calculate child support !  Point out violations of your parental rights !  Present your case to the judge !  Arrange to have a court order modified !  Walk you through things from beginning to end  

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