In some cases, knowing how much child support you’re going to get in the state of California can be a lifesaver in a divorce, especially if you’re going to be the parent with sole custody. The fact is that losing your bread-winner in a divorce can threaten not only your lifestyle, but the lifestyle of your children as well. While financial responsibility is obviously not the main concern during a divorce, it can be good to know where you’ll stand once everything is said and done. Here are a few of the most common ways to calculate approximately how much you’ll receive from your ex-spouse.

Use the California’s Department of Child Support Services page

This page, while accurate, cannot factor in changes in job, verifiable income, or what a judge might say. However, it is fairly accurate and is kept up to date by the state. The process is simple and as long as you have access to all of the necessary information, it can help you. You can access it here.

Calculate the Amount by Crunching the Numbers by Yourself

The formula used by the state of California is in the public domain, and once you have it, it’s fairly easy to calculate what you’ll probably be getting for child support on a monthly basis. However, it does not include possible deductions, such as health insurance costs or child support paid to children that were born in separate relationships before or after your marriage.

And Finally, Contact a Professional

It’s likely you’ll need a lawyer to help anyway – why not have them help you with child support, too? A lawyer may be able to assist in finding additional loopholes. Asking for an attorney’s help is never a poor choice, and it’s always nice to have one on your side when the going gets tough.

As always, we’re here to help. If you have any questions about child support, how to calculate it, and how to make sure you receive it on time every month, do not hesitate to call us and speak to a professional lawyer today.