Whether you are going through a divorce or setting up child support, the process can seem complicated. Although California child support is typically determined by a standard formula, it becomes even more challenging if you are a higher income family wanting to plan for your financial future.
About Neumann Family Law, A.P.C.
As San Diego’s premiere family law attorneys, we provide reliable legal and emotional support for locals. We have a combined total of more than 70 years of divorce and family law experience in this community. Our team explains each step of your case so you can make informed decisions during your divorce. We listen to your divorce goals and protect your rights. Reach out to hear more about our background and available family law services.
Complex Divorces for High Income Earners
If you are going through a divorce and have significant assets, large businesses, or generational wealth, it’s worth contacting a trusted attorney at Neumann Family Law A.P.C. who can help discuss child support in a confidential space. From La Jolla, Del Mar to Rancho Santa Fe, we have a deep understanding of the more opulent areas of San Diego.
Complex divorces for high-income earners typically involve a variety of legal support. At Neumann Family Law A.P.C., we can discuss your:
- Complex asset division
- Business valuations
- Prolonged court battles
Many divorces involve tax implications that often require legal and financial assistance. We may consult with experts to value your assets, uncover hidden assets, and investigate complex financial structures. Contact an attorney right away to further discuss your complex divorce situation confidentially.
Calculating Child Support in San Diego for a High-Income Earner
As of 2025, there were about 8.3 million children in California. Our state uses a standard formula to ensure children receive consistent financial support after their parents’ divorce or a parent establishes paternity. The California Department of Child Support Services provides an official calculator that is available online. While the calculator is helpful, child support for high income San Diego parents may involve additional complexities that are important to consider.
Deviating from the California Child Support Guideline for a High-Income Earner
At Neumann Family Law, A.P.C, we are true locals and know what it takes to protect your assets when calculating San Diego child support. We can discuss deviations from what the state’s calculator shows. We have a deep understanding of luxury areas, and this understanding can help set your expectations of how child support is set, modified, and enforced.
It’s important to have an attorney by your side with an understanding of how to accomplish your unique child support goals.
The needs of a child, depending on age, of a high-income earner may include:
- Private Plane/Travel
- Private Schools/Tutors
- Childcare Costs/Nannies
- International Education
- College Expenses
- Vacation Homes
- Private Country Clubs
- Personal Trainers
- Security Services
- Luxury Clothing
- Concierge Assisted
- Travel/Activities
As a high earner, you will want to consider how deviations from California Child Support Guidelines may benefit your specific situation in lowering Guideline Child Support based on the needs of the child. If you are seeking Guideline Child Support from a high earner, then amassing evidence of higher needs for the child based on the high earner’s standard of living and position in society is a paramount. An attorney can help ensure the court understands your circumstances and that child support accurately reflects the needs of the child support order reflects your complete asset picture. Whether you live in Coronado or Santaluz, reach out for reliable legal support.
Hire a San Diego Child Support Lawyer For Your Case
Whether you are seeking or fighting child support, hiring a child support lawyer can greatly improve your chances for success in court. For families with extensive assets to protect, the right attorney can make or break your child support obligations. An attorney brings experience protecting clients’ interests and achieving their financial goals.
Child support is complicated and in California, it’s important to hire an attorney who can find the right balance of maintaining your lifestyle while doing what’s right for your child. With families of significant means, an attorney can provide legal advice based on your circumstances. From Solana Beach to Point Loma, Neumann Family Law A.P.C. has helped clients protect their assets and child support goals.
FAQs
Does an Attorney Consult An Expert for an Income Stream Available for Support Analysis Before Child Support is Ordered?
Possibly. It is not unusual for an attorney to consult with an expert regarding income available for support when a business owner’s income is a factor in calculating child support in a high asset divorce. This analysis may be necessary to accurately determine a business owner’s true income, which a simple tax return may accurately reflect, due to business expenses and accounting practices.
What Do You Need to Show to Request Deviation from a Guideline Child Support Calculation as a High-Income Earner?
In California, a high-income earner can obtain a deviation from guideline child support under Family Code section 4057(b)(3) when two conditions are met: (1) the parent has an extraordinarily high income, and (2) the amount determined under the guideline formula would exceed the needs of the children. The legal analysis requires courts to first calculate the actual guideline amount based on legitimate income evidence, then independently determine the children’s needs based on the high earner’s financial circumstances and station in life rather than historical spending patterns to order child support lower, or higher, that Guideline. If you think you are going to have a complicated child support case and want reliable legal support, it’s worth speaking with a trusted San Diego attorney.
What is the Definition of an Extraordinary High-Income Earner?
California courts have not established a specific dollar threshold for extraordinarily high income. While this cannot be relied upon as there is no established threshold, income under $1 million per year, from all sources, might not qualify as extraordinary high income warranting a deviation downwards from California Guideline Child Support.
As such, a high income analysis for child support can cause stress. Reach out to an attorney that can provide reliable, objective advice and emotional support at Neumann Family Law, A.P.C.
Can I Collaborate With a San Diego Attorney About a Child Support Agreement During a High Asset Divorce?
Yes, you are certainly able to collaborate with your retained San Diego attorney about your child support goals during a high asset divorce. It’s important to protect your financial future for yourself and your child. You should plan to be part of the process to make sure your voice is heard.
Connect with Neumann Family Law, A.P.C. about your current situation. We can collaborate about your child support goals during a high asset divorce.
Hire a Child Support Lawyer – Call Neumann Family Law, A.P.C.
After a San Diego high asset divorce, child support orders can directly shape your financial stability. Neumann Family Law, A.P.C., can protect your upscale living goals in America’s Finest City. Hire an attorney who can provide nuanced guidance. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
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