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California Child Support and High Net Worth Parents pt 2

Jennifer Thibeaux

The Impact of the Division of Community Property on Child Support

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Assessing Pre-Separation Income and Assets

When determining child support, courts often consider the parents' pre-separation income and assets to establish their earning capacity and financial resources. The property division may provide insights into these factors, as it dictates the allocation of marital property upon divorce. For instance, if one parent receives a larger share of the marital assets, their financial resources may be considered higher, potentially affecting the child support calculation.

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Evaluating Standard of Living

The property division may also influence the assessment of the children's accustomed standard of living. In high-net-worth cases, the property division may provide insights into the family's pre-separation lifestyle, which can be considered when determining the appropriate level of child support to ensure the children maintain a consistent standard of living. For example, if the property division resulted in one parent retaining a luxurious home or other assets that contribute to the children's lifestyle, the court may consider this when determining child support to ensure the children continue to enjoy similar amenities.

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Addressing Non-Monetary Contributions

While child support is typically viewed as a monetary payment, the property division may come into play when evaluating non-monetary contributions made by both parents. In high-net-worth cases, non-monetary contributions may include providing access to private education, exclusive extracurricular activities, or other forms of enrichment. The property division may provide insights into the parents' respective financial capabilities and their ability to contribute non-monetarily to the children's well-being, which can be considered when determining the overall fairness of the child support arrangement.

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Determining Tax Implications

Child support payments can have tax implications for both parents. The property division may indirectly affect these tax implications by influencing the allocation of deductions and credits between the parents. The distribution of marital assets may affect the parents' taxable income and their ability to claim certain tax benefits, which can influence the net amount of child support each parent is capable of paying.

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Affecting Future Earning Capacity

In some cases, the property division may impact a parent's future earning capacity. For instance, if one parent receives a larger share of assets that generate income, such as a business or investment portfolio, their future earning capacity may be perceived as higher, potentially affecting the child support calculation.

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Satisfying Child Support Arrears

In cases where a parent has accumulated child support arrears, the property division may provide a means to satisfy these debts. The court may order the sale of certain assets, such as real estate or investment accounts, to generate funds to cover the accumulated child support arrears.

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