In California, child support is calculated through a mandatory formula known as "guideline" child support. The judge will need to decide each parent's income or earning capacity, other sources of income, income deductions, the parenting time share, add-on expenses such as day care, medical costs, extracurricular expenses, visitation travel expenses and private school tuition. The judge may also allocate the child support between a monthly base amount and regular overtime and bonus payments. 

Child support amounts can vary widely based on the court's calculation of income, deductions, add-ons, hardships and other aspects of the parties' respective incomes. Any income that is subject to taxation is presumed to be included in the determination of income available for support. This often includes a range of employee benefits, such as bonuses, stock options and other equity compensation, car allowances and similar items. 

It is important to evaluate any items that can be included as add-ons, including day care or after-school programs, school tuition, out-of-pocket health care expenses and travel expenses for visitation. It is also necessary to consider hardships such as new children from another relationship or unusual health expenses. 

In high-net-worth cases, we also advocate for a deviation from standard formulas in case they're insufficient to support the child’s best interests. This is particularly relevant if there’s a significant income disparity between the parents or if major expenses like school or college tuition are a factor.

For divorcing parents with young children, our child support lawyers will also factor in day-care or additional support needs such as healthcare. This helps ensure that the final child support orders accommodate and reflect the true costs of raising a child and comply with California’s family code.