Child Support

In need of support? Frustrated by a current support order? Let us help.

Child support is a monthly payment that a parent makes to contribute to the costs of raising a child, and is an issue of common dispute. The amount a party pays in support is controlled by California’s child support guidelines and a set of complex formulas which account for many factors including custody share and respective income. Generally, the primary custodial parent (the parent with most custody) is the receiver of support, while the non-custodial parent (the parent with less custody) is the payer of support. This is because the law assumes that the custodial parent already directly spends money on the child that is in their majority care. However, the court can order various support arrangements depending on the facts of the case and the specific needs of the child.

Typically, support is paid until the child turns 18 years of age, unless the order extends past the age of 18 pursuant to the agreement of the parties or the order of the court. Support orders commonly extend past 18 if the child is still in high school and lives with a parent, or has special needs or disabilities. Support may terminate before the age of 18 if the child marries or registers a domestic partnership, joins the military, or otherwise becomes self-supporting. Read more about child support and consult with the attorneys at The Zhou Law Group to better understand your support obligations or entitlements.