Does child support increase when you get married because of your spouse’s income?

QUESTION: I plan to marry at the end of the year and my partner is paying child support from California. Is their child support going to go up because of my income or is that not taken into consideration?

ANSWER: New spouse income is NOT used to calculate child support-but tax filing status is. This will change the CS calculation, as marginal tax rates will change.

PRO TIP: Don’t deposit your income into a joint account if your future spouse has or might have child support arrearages (back child support). You might also consider filing your taxes separately if they have arrearages. If you file jointly and you are due a refund the refund could be diverted to the government to pay the back child support.

Galen Gentry assists clients in Los Angeles and Southern California with issues relating to child custody, child support and spousal support.  Mr. Gentry has 30 years of experience and can help people protect their families and their interests. Call us for a free consultation at 310 282 7521 or contact us here.