What Does Child Support Cover in California?

Child support provides for children of divorced parents.

Child support is court-ordered payment from a non-custodial parent to a custodial parent to provide for the support of the children from their marriage after divorce. California requires courts to follow statewide guidelines when establishing child support orders.

What Does It Cover?

Child support is intended to cover more than just a child's basic needs. The opinion of the courts is that a child should share the standard of living of both parents, and that each parent has an obligation to support his child according to his own standard of living. Additionally, child support can sometimes cover special needs such as education or travel expenses for visitation.

How is Support Calculated?

California calculates the amount of child support by using a guideline that depends on a number of different factors. These factors include the income of each parent, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, the number of children and more.

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 income of the parents or a change in the amount of time the child spends with each parent.

How Long is It Paid?

Child support payments typically continue until one of the following events occurs: the child marries; the child dies; the child becomes emancipated; the child turns 18 while not a full-time high school student; or the child turns 19. Parents can agree to continue support for a longer period of time.

References

• California Courts Self-Help Center
• Free Advice: Child Support--What is it Used For?

Resources

• California Department of Child Support Services