2026 Child Support Guide

Posted on Mar 31, 2026 by Griswold LaSalle Staff

2026 Child Support Guide

If you are dealing with child support in Visalia, Tulare, Hanford, or Fresno, this guide will help you understand the California laws that apply to your family.

How is Child Support Calculated in California?

California uses a specific statewide formula to make sure children receive the same financial support across both households, regardless of which parent they are with. Both parents have a legal duty to support their children.

The 3 Biggest Factors

While the formula is complex, the court will primarily focus on three factors that have the largest impact on the final calculation:

  • Timeshare: The actual percentage of time the child is in each parent’s care.
  • Income: How much money each parent earns, from any source (including wages, investments, and gifts.)
  • Mandatory Deductions: Certain required expenses are deducted from your gross income, reducing the income considered available for support. Examples include health insurance premiums or mandatory retirement contributions.

Myths vs. Facts: Important Rules for Parents in Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties

Separating facts from rumors is crucial when dealing with child support and custody matters in the Central Valley.

  • When Support Ends: Child support usually stops when a child turns 18 and finishes high school. If they are still enrolled full-time, it can extend until they turn 19. If your paycheck is being garnished for child support, you must file paperwork with the court to legally end the garnishment.
  • Money vs. Visits: Your visitation rights and financial obligations are entirely separate under California law.
    • You cannot stop the other parent from seeing their child just because they haven’t paid support.
    • You cannot stop paying support just because you aren’t being allowed to see you child.
  • Physical Custody & Support: Even if parents share a 50/50 physical custody schedule (equal timeshare), the parent who earns a higher income could still owe the other parent child support.

Securing Your Family’s Future in Visalia, Hanford, and Fresno

Navigating the family law process across Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties can be overwhelming. Having an expert family law attorney on your side is critical to ensure your child’s best interests are legally secured and your rights are protected.

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Attorney Madison C. Erickson and our dedicated family law team are ready to help you navigate these complexities with clarity and care.

Contact Our Central Valley Family Law Team Today

Whether you need help establishing, modifying your child support order, or resolving any other family law issue in the Visalia, Tulare, Hanford or Fresno area, we are here to provide the individualized review your family deserves.