Child Support - How Do You Know How Much You Have To Pay?

California Family Code Family Code §3900 codifies the general obligation of both parents to support their minor children in a manner suitable to the child’s circumstances. In implementing these guidelines, courts must adhere to the principles that: (1) “a parent’s first and principal obligation is to support his or her minor children according to the parent’s circumstances and station in life; and (2) both parents are mutually responsible for the support of their children, not limited to biological offspring. If a parent willfully fails to satisfy his or her statutory child support duties, the other parent, or the child by a guardian ad litem, may bring an action against the parent to enforce such obligations. If a parent fails to pay child support, child support orders and judgments are enforceable until paid in full or otherwise satisfied. Therefore, an action to recover child support arrearages may be maintained at any time… even after the child has reached the age of majority. In the event that one of the parents or guardians has been receiving pubic assistance, or in a private case that has been opened in the Department of Child Support Services, DCSS will begin to collect evidence against the party who owes child support. Child support orders are based on strict guidelines, based on custodial tim and parental income. It is strongly advised to hire a competent attorney with a keen eye for detail. When child support is contested, the court is authorized, on a showing of good cause, to sever that issue for a separate trial with preference over all other civil matters not entitled to similar priority. Please contact our firm to help you navigate your child custody and child support issues at (714) 733-7066 or jos@josfamilylaw.com. https://josfamilylaw.com/child-support.php