Irvine, CA family law attorney Amanda Beall talks about which parent is responsible for child support. She explains that the family code is clear: both parents have an obligation to support their children, doing so according to their financial ability. The determination of which parent pays child support primarily depends on each parent’s gross income and the custodial time share of the minor children.

For example, if a parent has only a five or ten percent time share, their support obligation will be higher than if custody were shared equally on a 50/50 basis. Similarly, if only one parent works, the child support obligation will be higher compared to a situation where both parents’ incomes are factored into the guideline child support calculation.