Deductions for credit union payments, garnishments and voluntary retirement systems are not taken into consideration in this formula. The noncustodial parent must also pay one-half of the child care expenses incurred by the custodial parent if he or she works and must have child care. Each party must also pay one-half of any uncovered medical, dental or vision expenses for their minor child. Once the court has made an order for child support, the support is automatically taken from the noncustodial parent's paycheck by payroll deduction and is sent directly to the custodial parent. This is California law.
Spousal support is more difficult to predetermine.
It is based on multiple factors, including each party's actual earnings, the length of the marriage, the health of each spouse, the age of the parties, etc., and is always granted on a need basis. I can discuss this issue further with you at our first meeting. Also, if you desire calculations regarding child support or spousal support at our first meeting, it is helpful if you bring payroll stubs for both you and your spouse so that the support calculations are based on reliable numbers. There are, of course, many, many other issues concerning divorce and no two divorces are ever the same. If your matter is contested, or if it concerns an annulment, paternity, legal separation, contested custody or visitation, then I strongly suggest that you make an appointment to see me personally.