Child support is defined by law as the ongoing monetary expenditures and payments necessary to cover a child’s living and medical expenses. Both parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children. The court may order either or both parents to make ongoing payments to cover a child’s living and medical expenses.
Child support is determined using guidelines established by California law. Child support guidelines are based on each parent’s monthly income and the amount of time the child is cared for by each parent.
The Court Commissioner or Family Law Judge will set the amount of a child support order. The court will consider income from all sources. The income can be in the form of money, property, or services and can include:
Wages from a job
Tips
Commissions
Bonuses
Self-employment earnings
Unemployment benefits
Disability and workers’ compensation
Interest
Dividends
Rental income
Social Security or pensions
Any payments or credits due or becoming due, regardless of the source, including lottery and prize winnings.
If you have any questions about the child support guidelines, you should talk with a lawyer or your local child support agency. Local child support agency employees can give you general information, but cannot give you legal advice