In California, child support is calculated using a statewide guideline formula which is set forth in the California Family Code. While the formula itself is straightforward, the inputs for the formula are often not straightforward.

For example, the proper valuation of a party’s income available to pay support, the custodial timeshare, and other factors that are crucial to the proper calculation of child support can be very complex and subject to significant dispute depending on the individual circumstances of each case.

In addition to the child support guideline, there are other types of child support “add-ons” which can affect the amount of child support payable by one party to the other.

For high income earners, there may be adequate factual and legal basis for the Court to deviate from the standard child support guidelines and instead issue a child support order based upon the “reasonable needs” of the child(ren).

The Law Offices of Matthew Smurda is experienced and represents its clients in connection with all issues pertaining to child support, including but not limited to child support based upon the “reasonable needs” of the child(ren).