The most important thing you need to understand is this: child support and child custody are two separate aspects. Although they might be related, judges can independently decide both arrangements.
For example, you could share 50/50 custody but might pay more or less than the other parent. But how is this decided?
Let's look at how child support works in 50/50 joint custody cases, as experienced by our prescreened California child support lawyers.
Child Support In 50/50 Custody Arrangements In California
In California, it's common for spouses to share joint custody of a child (or children) equally while still having one spouse pay child support.
If you have a higher income than the other parent and want to share custody equally (50/50), you might be required to pay child support or additional fees.
If you have any problems with the court decision, consider working with a prescreened California family lawyer. An experienced California child support lawyer knows their way around the law and can help defend you and your child's interest.
Joint Custody Is Common In California
In California, many divorcing couples divide custody of their kids 50/50. When it is feasible, it is preferred in this state for parents to have joint physical and legal custody. In as many of these situations as possible, the state works to promote 50/50 custody.
Both parents of a child (or children) have equal visitation rights under 50/0 custody. Children whose parents share custody divide their time equally between them.
Remember, the priority in child support cases is the children. The courts will make decisions in their interest. For example, if the other parent cannot support their child, the court might order the other who earns more to pay child support.
What Is California Child Support For?
Child support aims to maintain the standard of living enjoyed by the children of a marriage before the divorce. In terms of child support, California law in particular, serves two purposes:
- To provide a child or children with a minimum level of care
- To ensure consistency in the calculation of child support payments
Consult a Los Angeles family lawyer if you have problems or are struggling with child support arrangements. California child support lawyers can help you with every step of the child custody and support process, appeal them if needed, and represent you in crucial court appearances.
How Is Child Support Calculated In California?
Many family law clients are curious about what happens when parents split custody of a child 50/50 at this point. California courts must compute payments in accordance with state child support guidelines.
When deciding on child support, a judge must take into account the following:
- The combined gross income of both parents (including wages, commissions, rental income, tips, bonuses, and so on)
- Payroll deductions that must be made.
- Possible tax deductions for both parents.
- How much of each parent's time will be spent with the child or children.
- Individual projected childcare expenses for each parent
So, the parent with more income may pay another as child support. However, if both earn roughly the same income, then there might be no need for one to pay the other.
If you or your spouse significantly earns more money than the other, you should discuss this with a California family law attorney. One parent may be unfairly burdened financially if custody is split 50/50 in a divorce without a child support agreement.
Find A California Family Law Attorney Near Me
1000Attorneys is an attorney referral service certified by the California state bar. We offer FREE CASE REVIEWS to ensure you're matched with the right California family lawyer for your unique case. Click here to get started.
0 Comments