If you have kids and want to end your marriage or have found yourself in the middle of a difficult divorce, make sure you have a solid understanding of key family law matters, especially child support. Whether you need to make payments to your child’s other parent or you expect to receive child support, having a better idea of what to expect will help you prepare.
California courts take a variety of factors into account when making decisions regarding child support awards and parents can use the state’s Child Support Guideline Calculator to develop a better understanding of what lies ahead.
Factors that impact child support in California
According to California’s Child Support Services website, courts review many factors when awarding child support, such as the number of children a couple has and each parent’s income. When using the Child Support Guideline Calculator, parents provide tax-related information and other financial details that help the court understand the needs and obligations of each party. Although this calculator helps provide an idea of what to expect with regard to child support awards, you need to keep in mind that the final decision rests in the hands of the judge or child support commissioner.
Looking at California’s Arrears Calculator
In addition to calculating future child support payments, parents who have fallen behind on their obligations also have the ability to use California’s Arrears Calculator in order to figure out the amount of time it will take to repay what they owe. This calculator takes into account the amount of money a parent pays and determines how long it will take to get caught up.