Child Support - What You Need To Know

Many people think that California child support and spousal support have nothing in common, but the two actually have a few similarities. Although they are not the same thing, there are just a few common characteristics between both kinds of support. Let me tell you a few points that apply to the two.

First, let's talk about support priorities. Of course, one has to have a higher priority than the other, and the one that has a higher priority is child support. Spousal support always comes in second place. After child support has been provided, that is the time spousal support can get considered.

Another point that applies to both child and spousal support is earning ability. Normally, support depends upon one's current income. However, some spouses voluntarily reduce their income even when higher-level employment is available. When the court discovers this, support will most probably be based on that spouse's earning ability, and not his or her actual income.

To go into detail on all the other points is beyond the scope of this article, but some of the others include: mandatory wage assignment, new mate income, insurance, and jurisdiction.

Now the state of California actually has a mandatory guideline on child support. This is based on two things: each parent's actual after-tax income, and the amount of time each parent has physical custody with his or her offspring. The judge orders the amount of child support, but only if the parents are not able to come up with a written agreement.

It is much better then to reach an agreement regarding the amount of child support to be paid than to bring a child support case to court. I hope you see that doing the latter will just make things harder and more complicated. However, you are still required to prove to the court that you know about the required guidelines. Even if you can come up with an agreement and do not bring your case to court, you will have to show the court that you were aware of the mandatory guidelines.

There are also some important details regarding California child support. In fact, there are quite a number of them, so let me explain to you a few of them. Again, to cover them all here is beyond the scope of this article.

One of the details is the duration of the support. Many people initially think that child support is paid until the child reaches 18 years old, but it's actually 19 years of age. However, if the child is already 18 but becomes self-supporting, marries, dies or is not a full-time high school student anymore, he or she will not be entitled to support.

If the parents agree in writing, support can be ordered for a child in other circumstances. Some of these circumstances include children going through college or training. Support can also be ordered for a children until their 21st birthday, as longs as his parents come up with a written agreement.

Other details regarding California child support are insurance and shared expenses.