Child Support

Support that’s fair. Stability that lasts.

Child support isn’t just about money — it’s about stability, fairness, and making sure children’s needs are met. Whether you are paying or receiving, the amount ordered can have a huge impact on your family’s financial future.



At the Law Office of Jennifer L. King, PC, we represent clients on both sides of the child support equation. For the parent receiving support, we fight to ensure your child’s needs are fully provided for. For the parent paying support, we make sure the calculation is fair, accurate, and based on the real facts — not inflated demands.

How California Calculates Child Support

California uses a statewide guideline formula to calculate child support. The formula takes into account:

• Each parent’s income (including wages, bonuses, commissions, investment income, and sometimes non-traditional income)
• The amount of parenting time each parent has with the child
• Tax filing status and certain deductions
• Mandatory obligations (like health insurance premiums or other support orders)

The goal is to ensure children receive consistent financial support from both parents, in proportion to each parent’s ability to contribute.

Add-Ons to Guideline Support

Courts may order additional payments beyond the base guideline amount. These include:

Mandatory Add-Ons

• Childcare costs related to work or education
• Uninsured healthcare expenses

Discretionary Add-Ons

• Educational expenses (like private school tuition)
• Costs of extracurricular activities
• Travel costs related to visitation

When Child Support May Be Modified

Orders may be changed if there is a material change in circumstances, such as:

• A parent loses a job or has a significant decrease in income
• A parent gets a substantial raise or new source of income
• The custody/timeshare schedule changes
• The child’s needs increase (e.g., medical care, educational needs)

Enforcement of Support Orders

If a parent refuses to pay, the court has powerful enforcement tools, including:

• Wage garnishment
• Bank levies
• Liens against property
• Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
• Contempt of court proceedings

How We Help

• Ensuring income is reported accurately (and uncovering hidden income if necessary).
• Requesting appropriate add-ons or challenging inflated ones.
• Advocating for fair timeshare calculations in the formula.
• Handling enforcement actions for unpaid support.
• Seeking or opposing modifications when circumstances change.

Why It Matters

Child support impacts both parents’ financial stability and directly affects the child’s quality of life. A fair and accurate order ensures your child is supported without creating unnecessary financial hardship.

Need Help with Child Support?

📧 Email brigette@blackhawklitigation.com
📞 Call (925) 648-2004

We’ll review your situation, explain how the formula applies to your case, and fight for a fair outcome.