Unlike other family law issues, the child support process is rather rigidly defined. Child support is based on the guidelines created by the California state legislature. Whether you are going through a divorce, legal separation, paternity action, or trying to modify an existing child support order, the amount you pay or receive in support is dictated by these statutory guidelines.
You and the other parent will have a duty to provide financial support to the children. The amount you are expected to contribute for support of your children is directly related to the percentage of income between you and the other parent.
The issues of daycare and medical insurance costs are often in addition to basic child support. While both parents are expected to contribute financially to child support, only one parent will actually be required to make a payment on a monthly basis. The other parent, most often the primary residential parent, will be responsible for the day-to-day management and expenditures associated with support of the children.