Child Support Add Ons in California
- ShannonPayne
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Understanding Child Support Add-Ons in California
When navigating child support in California, many parents focus on the base support amount calculated using the state's formula. However, additional expenses—known as child support add-ons—can significantly impact financial responsibilities. Understanding these add-ons is crucial for both custodial and non-custodial parents to ensure children’s needs are met beyond basic support.
What Are Child Support Add-Ons?
Child support add-ons are extra expenses that are either mandatory or discretionary, in addition to the base child support order. These costs cover specific needs that go beyond basic food, clothing, and shelter.
Mandatory Add-Ons
California law requires parents to share certain child-related expenses. These include:
Uninsured Healthcare Costs – This includes out-of-pocket expenses for medical, dental, and vision care that insurance does not cover, such as copayments, deductibles, or orthodontic treatments.
Childcare Costs Related to Employment or Education – If a parent needs childcare while working, seeking employment, or attending educational programs to improve their earning potential, these expenses must be shared.
Discretionary Add-Ons
Courts may also order additional support for expenses deemed beneficial to the child’s well-being. These include:
Educational Costs – Tuition for private school, tutoring, or other educational needs.
Extracurricular Activities – Costs related to sports, music lessons, dance, or other enrichment programs.
Travel Expenses for Visitation – If one parent lives far away, travel costs associated with court-ordered visitation may be split.
Effective September 1, 2024, California implemented significant changes to its child support laws. These updates aim to create a more equal system by adjusting how child support add-on expenses are allocated between parents.
Division: Child support add-on expenses—such as childcare, uninsured healthcare, and educational costs—were typically divided equally (50/50) between parents, regardless of their individual incomes. Add-on expenses are now apportioned based on each parent's net income. This means higher-earning parents will contribute a larger share of these additional costs, so that financial responsibilities more closely align with each parent's ability to pay.
Extended Reimbursement Request Period: Parents now have up to 90 days to request reimbursement from the other parent for incurred add-on expenses, which used to be 30-days.
Enforcing Child Support Add-Ons
To ensure compliance:
Keep detailed records of all qualifying expenses and when and how they were disclosed to the other parent.
Provide receipts and documentation to the other parent..
Final Thoughts
Child support add-ons ensure that children receive the necessary care beyond basic needs. Whether you are the paying or receiving parent, understanding these additional costs and the legal requirements can help you navigate your obligations effectively. If disputes arise, Payne Law Group can provide clarity and guidance on enforcing or modifying child support orders in California.
Do you need help managing child support and custody matters? Contact us for expert legal guidance!
Payne Law Group
Orange County Child Support Lawyers
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