Child Support Attorney – Calculating & Modifying Child Support in CA
Clear, Experienced Help with Support Orders
At the Law Office of Gregory S. Clark, we help parents across Placerville and El Dorado County understand, establish, and enforce child support arrangements that work for their families. Whether you're seeking support for your child or ensuring that any order is accurate and fair, we offer honest guidance rooted in California family law.
Child support should reflect your child’s needs and your real financial situation. We’re here to help you get it right—whether you’re starting fresh or seeking a modification.
How Child Support Is Calculated in California
California uses a statewide formula to calculate child support, and El Dorado County follows that same system. The formula takes into account:
- Each parent’s gross income
- The percentage of time each parent has custody
- Tax deductions, health insurance costs, daycare expenses, and other relevant financial factors
ourts typically use software like DissoMaster to generate a recommended support amount. But the numbers depend on the inputs—accurately representing your income, deductions, and parenting time is essential to a fair result.
We help clients present the full financial picture and advocate for support orders that are appropriate and sustainable.
Starting the Child Support Process
You might need a child support order as part of a divorce, or as an unmarried parent through a parentage case. In either situation, we’ll help you calculate guideline support, negotiate an agreement if possible, and present your case in court when needed.
Some parents agree to a different amount than the guideline, which is allowed if both sides understand their rights and the court approves the change. We can draft or review these agreements to make sure your child’s needs are met and your rights are protected.
Modifying Support When Circumstances Change
A child support order isn't set in stone. If your situation changes—job loss, income shift, changes in custody—we can help you request a modification.
Modifications are allowed when there’s a “significant change in circumstances.” That might include:
- A parent losing or changing jobs
- A child moving to live with the other parent
- New expenses (such as another child)
- Income discovery (hidden or misreported earnings)
We help clients file for or respond to modification requests. If your financial situation changes, don’t wait—modifying your order now can prevent long-term arrears or unfair payments.
Enforcing a Child Support Order in El Dorado County
If the other parent isn’t paying support, you have legal options. We help parents enforce support orders through:
- Wage garnishment
- Contempt of court filings
- Liens on property or tax refunds
- Support arrears collection
We also help clients who are behind on payments but want to resolve the situation. Acting early is key—before missed payments pile up and enforcement actions take over. If you need help catching up or modifying an unaffordable order, we’ll guide you through the process.
How long do I have to pay child support in CA?
Until your child turns 18, or 19 if still in high school full-time and unmarried. In some cases, like with special needs, support may continue longer.
Can we agree to a different support amount than the guideline?
Yes, if both parents agree and the court finds it’s still in the child’s best interest. We can help you draft and submit a stipulation that meets legal requirements.
What if the other parent is hiding income or underemployed?
Courts can impute income—assign an estimated earning capacity—if a parent is unemployed by choice or hiding income. We help uncover facts and present a strong argument for fair calculation.
Are child support payments taxable?
No. Child support is not taxable income for the recipient, and not deductible by the paying parent.
Can I change a child support order without a lawyer?
You can, but it's not always simple. A lawyer helps ensure your request includes all the necessary financial documentation and legal reasoning. Mistakes could cost you time or money.
If we have 50/50 custody, does anyone pay child support?
It depends on each parent’s income. Even with equal parenting time, the higher earner may still owe support to equalize the child’s standard of living across both homes.
Let’s Talk About Your Child Support Needs
Your children deserve reliable support—and you deserve clarity in the process. Whether you're requesting child support, modifying an existing order, or addressing enforcement, we’re here to help you find a practical and fair solution.
