How to Handle Child Support and Custody in Santa Clarita
If you are getting divorced in Santa Clarita and have children, custody and child support will be two of the most important issues you face. They can also be confusing and stressful. This guide explains how custody and child support work in California, what the courts prefer, and practical steps you can take to resolve these matters quickly and fairly.
Custody: The Two Parts You Need to Know
In California custody is split into two distinct parts:
- Legal custody covers decision making for the children. This includes choices about school, medical care, religion, and other major issues.
- Physical custody determines where the children live and the day to day care schedule.
Most courts, including those that serve Santa Clarita, prefer arrangements where both parents remain involved when the family situation is safe and stable. Joint custody is common when both parents can cooperate and prioritize the children.
How Child Support Is Calculated in California
Child support in California is calculated using a statewide formula. The formula looks at:
- Each parent’s gross income
- How much time each parent spends with the children
- Other factors such as mandatory deductions, tax considerations, and health care or daycare costs
We use the same software the courts use to make sure the numbers are accurate and fair.
Using court-approved calculators helps create an objective support number based on the actual incomes and time sharing. This reduces disputes and increases the likelihood of court approval when an agreement is filed.
Why Santa Clarita Courts Tend to Favor Joint Custody
When both parents are involved in their children’s lives and the home environments are safe, courts generally support arrangements that allow children meaningful contact with both parents. Joint custody can mean joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or both. The exact structure will depend on what is in the children’s best interests.
Factors the court looks at include the parents’ ability to communicate about the children, stability of each parent’s living situation, and any history of abuse or neglect. If joint custody is realistic, courts prefer solutions that keep both parents engaged.
Real Example: A 50/50 Custody Agreement Approved Without Court
Recently we helped a Santa Clarita couple who agreed to a 50/50 custody schedule. They needed the parenting plan and child support numbers written correctly and filed. We:
- Drafted a clear parenting plan spelling out the schedule, holiday time, decision making, and communication rules
- Calculated child support using the court formula so the numbers were accurate
- Filed the agreement and had the case approved quickly with no court appearance required
This is a common and efficient path when both parents can reach an amicable agreement. It protects the children and avoids lengthy court involvement.
How a Full Service Flat Fee Process Can Help
If you want a fast, court-friendly approach that minimizes stress, a full service flat fee provider can manage the process from start to finish. Typical services include:
- Consultation to explain custody and support options
- Drafting a parenting plan that meets court requirements
- Accurate child support calculations using court-approved software
- Filing paperwork and guiding you through court approval if needed
- 100 percent remote handling so you do not need to appear in court in most amicable cases
For families in Santa Clarita, that streamlined process often means faster resolutions, predictable fees, and less emotional strain.
What You Should Prepare Before Starting
Gathering the right information ahead of time speeds up the process and produces more accurate results. Typical items to have ready include:
- Recent pay stubs or proof of income for both parents
- Tax returns from the last 1 to 2 years
- A proposed parenting schedule or notes about typical weekly time with the children
- Information about health insurance, childcare costs, and significant monthly expenses for the children
- Any court orders or custody arrangements that already exist
Step by Step: How to Move Forward
- Schedule a consultation to review your situation and options
- Decide whether you will draft a mutual agreement or need further negotiation or court involvement
- Draft a parenting plan that covers schedules, holidays, decision making, and communication
- Calculate child support using the court formula and approved software
- File the agreement with the court and request approval
- Follow the approved plan and revisit it if circumstances change
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Child custody and child support are some of the most important parts of a divorce when children are involved. Understanding the difference between legal and physical custody, knowing how support is calculated, and preparing the right documents will make the process smoother and less stressful.
If you need help creating a parenting plan or calculating child support in Santa Clarita, we provide full service flat fee options and use the same court-approved tools to get accurate results. Schedule a free consultation at https://divorce661.com/divorce661-consultation/ or visit https://divorce661.com for more information. We will guide you through each step and help create an agreement that works for your family.
