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Last Modified on Nov 05, 2025
Child support is an important element for parents across the state. It can be a point of financial stress, whether you are the parent who needs support or the one ordered to pay. Approaching your case, you may be confused about what the potential figure may be. The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic is here to explain the average child support payment in California and factors that affect the final sum.
About Us
The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic has spent years representing the people of Riverside, Chino Hills, San Bernardino, and communities throughout Southern California in their child custody matters. Michelanne Hrubic uses a client-forward approach to law that centers on your needs in the process. Her legal accomplishments earned her a Client’s Choice Award in 2018.
Overview of Child Support Cases in California
Child support is a vital aspect for many parents across the state. In 2024, the California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) reported 909,496 active support cases serving 1,053,324 in IV-D cases. The amount due totaled $1,321,947,055, with $827,155,743 distributed.
Child support cases in California consist of two parties. There are the obligor, who pays support, and the obligee, who receives payment. Support matters are processed through the Superior Court system for the county where you live. For instance, Riverside County residents handle their cases through the Riverside Family Law Courthouse, located at 4175 Main Street, Riverside, CA, 92501.
How Is Child Support Calculated in California?
California child support cases are unique in that they use a set formula to determine the amount owed. Typically, the parent with primary physical custody receives funds. To establish how much they are paid, the first step is to combine the net disposable income of both parents and determine which is the higher earner.
The total net disposable income is then multiplied by the percent of time the higher-earning parent spends with the child. This figure is then subtracted from the higher earner’s disposable income. Finally, the amount is multiplied by a variable that accounts for income allocated to child care.
For example, Parent A has primary physical custody, $2,000 in disposable net monthly income, and spends 80% of the time with the child. Parent B has $5,000 in monthly disposable income, making them the higher earner, and has physical custody 20% of the time. They have only one child. When the combined total net income of $7,000 and percentages are put through the formula, the total Parent B pays each month is $1,080.
This final figure can be changed by additional healthcare and other child care calculations. You may also qualify for other options if you are low-income.
What Is the Average California Support Payment?
The DCSS for fiscal year 2023–2024 reported that the average amount distributed per case was $2,387 annually. The average fluctuated between counties, ranging from 1 to 4 thousand. For example, Riverside County had an average yearly amount of $2,456, while San Bernardino County had a median of $2,202. These figures represent the middle point across thousands of cases, and may not reflect your own situation.
The way in which support is calculated in California means that what others pay does not affect your order. If you earn less than your co-parent and spend more time with your children, you tend to pay less than someone who is the higher earner and rarely has physical custody.
Hire a Child Support Lawyer
Figuring out what you may pay or receive in child support can be confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming to do on your own. One wrong calculation or a missing factor can leave you with incorrect figures. Hire a dedicated child support lawyer to help you with your case. They can advocate for you throughout the process and fight to find an arrangement that addresses your financial concerns.
FAQs
How Long Does Child Support Last in California?
How long your child support order lasts in California can change based on your situation. Most cases cease when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school. If they are still a full-time high school student, support can continue till 19.
Support may be ordered past these endpoints if deemed necessary for medical reasons. Other circumstances when child support may end include your co-parent remarrying, your child emancipating themselves, or if they join the military.
Can You Change a California Child Support Order After Its Establishment?
In California, you can modify a child support order in the months or years after its establishment. To do so, you can file an FL-300 Request for Order in the county where your support agreement is active. There must be a qualifying reason, such as a significant change in a parent’s financial situation, a major shift in time spent with a child, or a new marital status.
What Is the Biggest Factor in Calculating Child Support in California?
The biggest factor considered when calculating child support in California tends to be each parent’s income. If you earn more than your co-parent, you are more likely to be ordered to pay. The time spent with your child and the number of children supported are two additional elements that significantly determine the final payment amount.
The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic can review your situation and determine what you may be paying or receiving.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost in California?
How much your California child support lawyer costs depends on the type of assistance you require, your situation’s complications, and the workload. A case where one parent is seeking both physical and legal sole custody is typically more expensive than one involving co-parents working together to find a joint-custody arrangement.
The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic can provide a rough estimate of your final expenses in our initial consultation.
Speak With a Child Support Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic understands how stressful child support cases can be for both the obligor and obligee. We have the legal knowledge, experience, and skills that can make a positive difference in your case. Michelanne can work with you to find a solution that works for you and your co-parent and is in the best interest of your child.
Contact us today via phone or through our online contact form to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, we can learn the details of your situation and discuss potential strategies for your child support case.
