BLOG

With parenting children comes great responsibility. One of those responsibilities is to provide for them financially until they become a legal adult, traditionally at 18 years of age. If the parents of the child are no longer together, the parent who has primary custody is entitled to child support or alimony payments from the other parent. These are funds the primary parent are to use toward the care of the child, be it housing, clothing, or medical bills. The amount of child support paid is unique to each situation.

Divorce often causes financial difficulties, especially for a spouse who sacrificed a career in order to take care of children or the home. Alimony is an important aspect of many divorces, and it is important to understand the types of alimony. There are two main varieties of alimony in California—temporary and permanent. Each is designed to serve a different purpose.

In California, child support amounts are calculated based on a formula. The formula provides a guideline for child support amounts, and is generally used unless there are factors indicating that a different amount should be awarded.