In California, the state requires that both parents continue to support their child after separation or divorce. Even if two parents were never a “couple,” they are both required to support their child. The family court recognizes the importance that child support plays in a child’s life. Raising a child is not cheap. It can be incredibly costly and nearly impossible for one parent to do. Consider all of the following costs associated with raising a child:
School supplies
Clothing
Food
School tuition
Medical expenses
Childcare
All of this, as well as the costs of a rent or mortgage payment and utilities, needs to be factored into the total cost of raising a child.