California child support is based on a complex formula that takes many factors into account. This formula is called guideline child support. One of the primary child support factors is the income of each parent. A change in either parents’ income caused by the loss of a job, a paycut, or a new job will result in a corresponding change in the guideline child support.
Parents with a change of circumstances, such as a change in income, can file an order to show cause for a modification of support to have the current guideline support, and the current child support order reflect their current income. The Court has jurisdiction to modify child support retroactive to the date the order to show cause was filed. This means that even if you have lost your job, your support cannot be modified back to the date of the change of your income, but only back to the date that you filed the order to show cause for a modification of child support.
If you have lost your job, or believe that you may be entitled to a reduction in child support based on your reduction in income it is important that you do not reduce support payments on your own. California has very specific rules and procedures for modifying child support. If you would like to modify child support, or if your child’s parent has filed for a modification of child support, you should contact a California Child Support Attorney. If you live in or near Los Angeles, or have a child support case in Southern California, you can call this Los Angeles child support attorney for a free family law consultation.
