When child support is being calculated in California, the main factor that
is taken into consideration is what will be in the child's best interests.
There is also a formula that is utilized to determine the amount of child
support that will be given, although it can be difficult to understand.
While the calculations that go into figuring the amount out can be complex,
understanding the input that goes into the formula is easier to understand.
The components used to determine the amount of child support include:
- The number of children
- The amount of custody each parent has
- The parents' gross income
- Certain deductions that may be allowed from gross income
Gross income includes common sources such as earnings, rent, investments,
pensions, trust income, annuities, workers' compensation, unemployment
insurance, Social Security, disability insurance, and spousal support
from a previous marriage. In addition to the amount of income that an
individual actually receives, the court may take into consideration the
amount that the person has the ability and opportunity to earn. Despite
factors such as gross income, the court may determine that it is in the
child's best interest for the parent to spend more time with them,
rather than accepting a high-paying job.
Child support can be a complicated topic to address, and here at Claery & Green,
we are committed to helping our clients resolve their family law matters
in a manner that is as efficient as possible. For assistance with a matter
pertaining to child support or another family law issue, do not wait to
contact our Los Angeles divorce attorneys today!