How is Support Calculated?

• California calculates the amount of child support by using a guideline that depends on several different factors. These factors include any special needs of the child, the income of each parent, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, the number of children the parents have together, the number of other children each parent might have and more. Contributions each parent makes to the child's health insurance and other expenses are also considered.
  
  

What Does it Cover?

• Child support is intended to cover more than just a child's basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter. California courts hold the position that each parent has an obligation to support his child according to his own standard of living. Money paid for child support might indirectly benefit other members in the child's household, but this is not considered a reason to reduce or withhold support payments. Child support can sometimes cover special needs such as travel expenses for visitation or education.
  
  

Can the Amount be Changed?

• The court can order a change in the amount of child support under certain circumstances, such as a change in the amount of time the child spends with each parent or a change in the income of one or both parents. The court will sometimes approve a child support amount that has been agreed upon by the parents, but the court may override a parental agreement if it is deemed to be not in the best interest of the child.
  
  

How Long is It Paid?

• California law requires child support payments to continue until one of the following events occurs: the child gets married; the child dies; the child becomes legally emancipated; the child turns 18 while not still a full-time high school student; or until the child turns 19. Parents can agree to continue support for a longer period of time, such as until a child completes college. In the case of a disabled adult child, support may continue indefinitely.
  
  

Do I Have to Pay Support if I Can't See the Kids?

• Yes. In California, child support and child visitation are two separate legal issues and are individually enforceable. A custodial parent may not withhold visitation due to nonpayment of child support. A noncustodial parent may not withhold support due to being denied visitation with the child. Visitation issues which cannot be resolved by the parents should be dealt with in court. Meanwhile, child support payments should continue as ordered.