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Our Los Angeles family law attorneys at the Land Legal Group know that getting divorced with children in California changes nearly every detail of the process. Even in the most amicable divorces, determining child custody requires significant planning to ensure the children’s best interests are the priority. Another critical child custody-related discussion is child support.
California family law courts prioritize the child’s best interests, and child support is seen as a means to ensure that both parents contribute financially to the upbringing of their children. The amount of child support is typically determined based on various factors, including each parent’s income, the child’s needs, and the time each parent spends with the child.
The question is, what if both parents agree to shared custody, outline a fully implementable parenting plan, and determine that child support isn’t necessary? We have answers.
Can California Parents Agree That Neither Needs to Pay Child Support?
California child support laws state both parents are mutually responsible for the support of their children. This means, technically, parents do not have the authority to waive or eliminate child support obligations, even if both parents agree.
However, parents in a divorce can enter into a mutual agreement for a reduced amount of child support than the California state guidelines for support calculation suggest that it is in the child’s best interests and they can support the child without the assistance of the other parent.
Parents may also have some flexibility in negotiating child support terms and agree on specific aspects like the amount of support, the frequency of payments, and how additional expenses for the child will be handled.
Ultimately, any agreement regarding child support must be approved by the court to ensure that it complies with state laws and serves the child’s best interests. If the court determines that an agreement is not in the child’s best interest, it may modify it or establish child support according to statutory guidelines.
Contact Our Family Law Attorney Today
Having a skilled California child support attorney by your side can help you — and the court — understand why child support isn’t a necessary component of your divorce. We can help. Call (310) 552-3500 today to contact our team of skilled family law attorneys in Los Angeles at the Land Legal Group.
