Child Support Attorney in Sacramento

Advocating for Your Child’s Financial Future in Sacramento & Surrounding Areas

Every parent is focused on providing their children with financial security. When parents live in separate homes, a clear and fair child support arrangement is the foundation for meeting this goal, giving your children the resources they need to grow and succeed. However, the legal process can feel complex and stressful with its detailed financial disclosures and precise calculations. At Kaslan & Pike, LLP, we aim to cut through that complexity, helping you understand your rights and obligations with clarity.

This is where our team-based approach to law makes a significant difference. You will have a dedicated group of legal professionals collaborating on your case, meticulously reviewing financial information to develop a sound strategy for the court. We believe that a fair outcome directly results from diligent preparation and honest communication. Our goal is to help you secure a child support order that accurately reflects your family’s circumstances and, most importantly, provides for your children’s needs now and into the future.

For straightforward help from a child support attorney in Sacramento who can clarify your financial situation, call Kaslan & Pike, LLP at (916) 957-1302 or contact us online.

How California Calculates Child Support

California uses a statewide uniform guideline to determine the amount of child support a parent will pay. This complex mathematical formula produces a "guideline" support amount presumed to be correct. While a computer program performs the final calculation, the accuracy of the result depends entirely on the accuracy of the data entered. A primary part of our work is to help you gather, verify, and properly present the necessary financial information to make a calculation that is fair and based on facts.

The court considers several key factors in calculating child support. The two most significant inputs are each parent's gross income from all sources and the time each parent spends with the children (known as "timeshare"). However, the calculation also includes other critical financial data.

The main factors in the guideline formula include:

• Each parent's gross income, including wages, bonuses, self-employment income, and more.
• The percentage of time each parent has physical responsibility for the children.
• The number of children the parents have together.
• Tax filing status of each parent.
• Support for children from other relationships.
• Health insurance premiums.
• Mandatory retirement contributions and union dues.

Beyond the Formula: Accounting for a Child's Full Needs

The state’s guideline calculation provides a baseline for support, but a child’s life comprises more than just the basics. California law recognizes this by requiring parents to share additional costs, known as "add-ons," to account for the actual expenses of raising a child. These costs are often divided equally, but a court can allocate them differently based on the family's circumstances. Our team works with you to identify and calculate all these expenses, so the final support order accurately reflects your child's needs.

Specific add-ons are mandatory. The court must order parents to share the costs of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses. Contributions toward childcare are also required for a parent to work or attend school. Beyond these necessities, a judge has the discretion to include other essential expenses. This can cover a child's educational activities, like tutoring, or costs associated with visitation travel. For these discretionary items, we assist you in documenting the expenses and clearly presenting why they are essential for your child’s well-being.