Child Support

Child Support

Raising a child is a lifelong commitment—emotionally, physically, and financially. When parents separate or divorce, ensuring a child’s needs are met remains a top priority. In California, child support laws are designed to promote fairness, stability, and the best interest of the child. For today’s diverse and evolving families, understanding child support isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a system that works for your unique circumstances.

At Enright Family Law, we help modern families navigate child support with clarity, compassion, and a deep understanding of California law. Whether you’re establishing support for the first time, modifying an existing order, or enforcing unpaid support, we’re here to help protect your child’s financial future.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation that requires one parent to contribute financially to the costs of raising a child. It is designed to ensure that a child’s needs—such as food, clothing, housing, health care, education, and activities—are consistently met, even when parents live separately.

In most cases, the non-custodial parent (the one who spends less time with the child) pays child support to the custodial parent to help offset the day-to-day costs of care.

Child support is not optional—it is enforceable by law and taken seriously by California courts.

How Is Child Support Calculated in California?

California uses a statewide child support guideline formula to calculate how much support one parent should pay. The calculation is based on several factors, including:

• Each parent’s income
• Percentage of parenting time with the child
• Tax filing status
• Health insurance and child care costs
• Other children from different relationships
• Mandatory payroll deductions (e.g., union dues, retirement contributions)

The formula is complex, but the goal is straightforward: to ensure children receive adequate support and both parents share financial responsibility in proportion to their ability to pay.

California courts use software such as DissoMaster to run these calculations, but it’s essential to provide accurate income documentation to ensure a fair result.

What Child Support Covers

Child support is intended to cover a wide range of expenses related to the child’s well-being. This includes:

• Basic living expenses: food, shelter, clothing
• Educational costs: school supplies, extracurricular activities
• Medical expenses: insurance premiums, co-pays, out-of-pocket costs
• Childcare costs: daycare, after-school programs
• Transportation and travel: commuting costs for visitation or custody exchanges

t’s important to note that child support does not have to be tracked or itemized by the receiving parent. Courts assume the funds will be used in ways that benefit the child directly or indirectly.

Who Pays Child Support?

Typically, the parent with less physical custody time pays support to the parent with more time. However, this isn’t a hard rule. If the higher-earning parent has primary custody, the lower-earning parent may still be required to contribute, depending on the case.

California law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender or relationship history. The main focus is the child’s financial need and both parents’ ability to provide.

Can Parents Agree on a Child Support Amount?

Yes, parents can reach an agreement on child support outside of court, as long as the agreed amount meets or exceeds the state’s minimum guideline amount. These agreements must still be reviewed and approved by a judge to become legally binding.

At Enright Family Law, we help modern co-parents create realistic and enforceable child support agreements tailored to their needs—especially when non-traditional income, flexible custody schedules, or blended families are involved.

Modifying Child Support

Life changes—and so can child support. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as:

• Change in income (job loss, promotion, new business)
• Change in custody or visitation schedule
• Additional expenses for the child (medical, education, etc.)
• Birth of another child
• Incarceration of a parent

To modify a child support order, the requesting parent must file a Request for Order and provide updated financial documents. The court will then review whether a new support amount is warranted.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to pay court-ordered support, there are legal tools available for enforcement, including:

• Wage garnishment
• Interception of tax refunds or lottery winnings
• Driver’s license or professional license suspension
• Contempt of court actions
• Liens on property or bank accounts

Non-payment of child support is a serious matter and can have long-term consequences. If you are owed support or are struggling to pay, our firm can help you address the issue with clarity and legal protection.

Child Support and Modern Families

At Enright Family Law, we understand that no two families look the same. We serve:

• Never-married parents establishing support for the first time
• Divorced parents with flexible or 50/50 custody arrangements
• LGBTQ+ parents navigating new parentage or multi-parent arrangements
• Families with high-net-worth considerations, self-employment income, or complex tax scenarios
• Co-parents adjusting to remote work, relocation, or lifestyle changes

Modern families deserve modern legal solutions. We tailor every case to the real lives and financial realities of today’s parents.

Addressing Common Myths About Child Support

“Child support is just extra money for the other parent.”

False. Child support helps maintain a consistent standard of living for the child and is based on actual costs of care and legal guidelines.

“We share custody, so no one has to pay.”

Not necessarily. Even with equal parenting time, if there’s a large difference in income, one parent may still owe support.

“Child support ends when the child turns 18.”

In California, support typically ends when the child turns 18 and graduates high school. If the child is still in high school full-time, it may continue until age 19.

“I can stop paying if I’m denied visitation.”

No. Support and visitation are separate issues. Failing to pay support can lead to legal consequences—even if visitation is in dispute.

How We Can Help

At Enright Family Law, we guide families through every step of the child support process with empathy, precision, and a commitment to fairness.

Our services include:

• Establishing initial support orders
• Negotiating support in separation or divorce
• Requesting modifications when life changes
• Enforcing unpaid support
• Assisting in mediation or court hearings
• Clarifying rights for unmarried or same-sex parents

If you’re dealing with child support—whether you’re paying, receiving, or seeking answers—we’re here to protect your child’s future and your peace of mind.

Contact Enright Family Law today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward building a stable, fair financial future for your family.