If you have a child with someone and are no longer together, child support may come into the picture. It is important to understand child support because it will likely make a big impact on your finances, whether you are paying it or receiving it. The good news is that Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP are here to help you every step of the way. Keep reading to learn more about how child support is calculated and how Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLC can help you through the process.
What factors go into calculating child support?
In California, child support is calculated by the Guideline Calculation Formula in most instances. There are many factors that go into this formula, including:
- Time that each parent has the child in their custody and control
- Gross income of each parent
- Tax filing status of each parent
- Child care costs
- Other mandatory expenses such as health insurance costs, union dues, and support of other children
While there are many variables that go into child support calculations, expenses that are not covered include:
- Car payments
- Credit card payments
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries
- Extra-curricular costs
How are child support orders enforced?
Now that you know what goes into a child support calculation in California, you might be wondering how child support orders actually get enforced. Well, in California, these orders can be enforced through wage garnishment, levies, and contempt. Over time, failure to pay child support can lead to penalties and interest that add up over time and can sometimes exceed the actual amount of back child support owed.
Can child support orders be modified?
Yes, child support orders can be modified. However, the modification must be submitted to the court and will only be accepted if certain circumstances occur. These include:
- A parent loses their job
- A parent gets a new job or promotion
- A parent gets remarried to a high-earning spouse
- The custody agreement is changed to share physical custody differently
- A child has been emancipated
- Support needs to be extended beyond age 18 for a disabled adult child
If you need help with a child support case, contact Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP today!
Child support can make a big impact on your finances. That is why it is important to understand how it is calculated and what factors are taken into consideration. Luckily, Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLC is here to help you through the process. We have over 30 years of experience dealing with child support cases and no matter what side you are on, we can help. If you need help with your child support case, contact Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLC today at 909-482-1422 to schedule your initial consultation!
To learn more about the reliable and quality family law services that we offer, visit us on the web at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLC.
