Child Support
California guideline support, modifications, enforcement, and DCSS matters — serving Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Amador Counties.
What you should know
Child support can feel stressful — especially when you’re already navigating separation or custody. Whether you’re a custodial parent seeking fair financial support or a non-custodial parent concerned about an order, we provide clarity and steady advocacy.
California courts calculate child support primarily on each parent’s income and the time spent providing care, applying a guideline formula. We make sure the inputs are accurate and the calculation reflects your actual circumstances.
Common support matters
Whether establishing, modifying, or enforcing an order, we tailor our approach to your facts.
Establishing Child Support
We help build the evidentiary record — income, expenses, custody timeshare — needed for an accurate guideline calculation and a sustainable order.
Modifications
When circumstances change — new job, lost job, changed timeshare, additional children — existing orders can be modified through a Request for Order.
Enforcement
Wage assignments, contempt proceedings, license suspension, and other enforcement tools when a payor falls behind. We pursue what is reasonable for your case.
Department of Child Support Services
If DCSS is involved in your case, we help with communication, paperwork, and court appearances.
Disputes Over Income
Self-employment, cash income, irregular bonuses, and stock compensation often require careful documentation to be reflected accurately in the calculation.
Add-On Expenses
Childcare, uninsured medical, educational expenses, and travel costs are handled separately from base support and often require negotiation.
Negotiate first, litigate when needed
When parties can work together, we facilitate clear written agreements that the court can enter as orders. When agreement isn’t possible, we negotiate firmly on your behalf and prepare a strong, evidence-based case for hearing or trial.
Active member of the California State Bar (Bar #244097), admitted 2006.
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Across the region
Scharf Law, P.C. is based in Folsom and serves families throughout the greater Sacramento region.
Common questions about child support
How is child support calculated in California?
By a statewide guideline formula. Family Code Section 4055 sets support based mainly on each parent’s net disposable income and the percentage of time each parent has the child. The court also allocates add-ons such as work-related childcare and uninsured health costs. Judges use the official California Guideline Child Support Calculator and can depart from the guideline only in limited circumstances.
How long does child support last?
Until the child turns 18, or 19 if the child is still a full-time high school student and living with a parent (Family Code Section 3901). Support can continue longer by agreement or for an adult child who cannot support themselves because of a disability. It does not end automatically when a parent’s circumstances change; a court order is required.
Can child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can ask the court to modify support when circumstances change, such as a job loss, a significant change in income, or a change in the parenting schedule. Changes apply only from the date the request is filed, so delay usually costs money. If the existing order is below guideline, a modification can be requested without showing a change.
What if the other parent does not pay?
Child support orders are enforceable through wage assignments, interception of tax refunds, license suspensions, liens, and contempt. The county Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) can open a case and enforce at no charge, and unpaid support accrues 10 percent annual interest under California law. A private attorney can also pursue enforcement and arrears.
Does child support cover school, activities, and medical costs?
Guideline support is intended to cover ordinary living expenses. Family Code Section 4062 adds mandatory add-ons for work-related childcare and reasonable uninsured health care, usually split equally, and discretionary add-ons such as educational needs and travel for visitation. Health insurance coverage for the child is ordered when available at reasonable cost.
General information about California law, reviewed by attorney Taryn M. Scharf (CA State Bar #244097), Scharf Law, P.C., Folsom, CA. It is not legal advice for any specific situation. Ask about your case or call (916) 782-3900.
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your matter?
Schedule a confidential consultation to walk through your specific situation and the options available.
Request a Consultation (916) 782-3900
Scharf Law, P.C. — 2330 E Bidwell St, Suite 110, Folsom, CA 95630-3897
— (916) 782-3900
Taryn M. Scharf, Esq. — CA State Bar #244097
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