Child Support Calculation in Placer County

by | May 3, 2013 | Firm News |

In Placer County child support cases, people commonly ask if overtime will be counted as a part of the total salary in the child support calculator (DissoMaster or X-Spouse)?  The simple answer is: Yes, it will be counted.  When Placer County courts are calculating child support, they are required to consider income from each and every source.  Income is broadly defined and includes gross wages, salaries, tips, social security benefits, unemployment, self-employed income, etc.  It can also include unusual sources such as regular gifts from a person, disability payments, payments received in the form of living expenses paid, royalties etc.

One of the frustrating things for Placer County child support obligors (paying party) is having their child support calculated using their total base and overtime wages.  Since the Placer County court is required to consider all income, regardless of whether it is stable or variable, overtime must be included.  A helpful way to deal with overtime, commission, bonus, or other variable and non-guaranteed figures is to ask the Placer County family court to calculate a bonus schedule.  The schedule will determine a percentage to be paid to the receiving party only when the paying party actually earns the bonus/overtime/commission.  If no bonus/overtime/commission is earned, then there is no percentage payment required.

If you are paying child support in Placer County and are unsure if your child support was correctly calculated, please give us a call.  We can help you understand the Placer County child support calculation and look over your income sources for support.  We offer free half-hour attorney consultations with experienced child support attorneys.