Expertise: Child Support
In California, both parents have an obligation to meaningfully contribute to the support of their children. Generally this obligation continues, by law, until (1) the death of the child, (2) the child's 18th birthday (or 19th birthday if the child has not graduated from high school by the age of 18), or (3) the child's emancipation.
When parents divorce, typically one parent must pay the other parent child support. Basic child support is calculated pursuant to a guideline formula that takes into account an array of factors, including:
- The incomes of each parent, including income from all sources
- Tax filing status (i.e., single, head of household, or married)
- Tax deductions and tax credits (e.g., mortgage interest deductions)
- Specific statutory hardships (e.g., children from another relationship)
- Each parent's level of responsibility for the children (the amount of time each parent spends with the children)
Calculating guideline child support can be relatively straightforward. For example, when both parents are W-2 employees, work full time, and share custody of the children. However, the calculations become complicated when a parent is not working to his or her full ability, hiding income, or running personal expenses through a private business. In cases like these, Mr. Ford works with a team of consultants, including vocational evaluators and forensic accountants, so that a fair and equitable support order is made.
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