Few issues in family law cause more stress or confusion than child support. Parents want to know what is fair, what is required, and how courts reach their decisions. At the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers, based in Torrance, CA, and serving clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, the South Bay, and the San Gabriel Valley, we help parents understand the child-support process and ensure that every order reflects the true needs of the child and the financial realities of both parents.
Understanding California’s Child Support Formula
California uses a statewide guideline formula to calculate child support. This formula considers several main factors:
- Each parent’s gross monthly income, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and other earnings
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child (often called “timeshare”)
- Mandatory deductions such as taxes, health-insurance premiums, and certain union dues
- Costs related to childcare, healthcare, and education
The state’s computer software, often referred to as Dissomaster, generates a guideline figure that most judges follow closely. However, courts retain discretion to adjust the amount if special circumstances make the guideline unfair or inappropriate.
Income and Disclosure Requirements
Both parents must submit accurate financial information under penalty of perjury. Failing to disclose income or assets can lead to penalties and retroactive support orders. At the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers, we guide clients through the preparation of financial disclosures, ensuring that income, deductions, and expenses are fully and properly documented.
Our experience across courts in Torrance, Long Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, and Pasadena means we know what documentation local judges expect to see—and how to present it clearly to support your position.
Adjustments and Deviations from the Guideline
While the guideline is presumed correct, courts may adjust the figure in cases involving:
Shared custody arrangements that are not 50/50 but close
Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
Travel costs for visitation between distant households
Low-income parents who cannot meet the basic needs of both households under the guideline
These discretionary adjustments make it vital to work with an attorney who understands how local judges interpret and apply the law.
Modifying Existing Support Orders
Life circumstances change. A significant shift in income, employment, custody schedules, or the child’s needs may justify a modification of support. Our firm regularly assists clients in requesting and defending modifications in the Torrance, South Bay, and Orange County courts. We help ensure that updated orders remain fair and consistent with current realities.
Work With an Attorney Who Knows the Local Courts
Although the law is statewide, its application can vary from courthouse to courthouse. Some judges emphasize detailed documentation; others focus more on stability for the child. With decades of experience across Los Angeles and Orange Counties, the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers understands those nuances and uses them to advocate effectively for our clients.
Take the Next Step
If you need help establishing, enforcing, or modifying child support, contact the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers today. We represent parents throughout Torrance, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and surrounding areas. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every child receives the support they deserve—and that every parent is treated fairly under the law.