Support & Attorney’s Fees: Numbers Win.

How to Win Support (Fast)

• Guideline rules the day. Bring current income numbers + time share and you’re most of the way home.
• Current FL-150 (last 3 months) with paystubs (8 weeks). Self-employed: P&L + last filed tax pages.
• Timeshare proof: overnights calendar, mediation notes, school logs/attendance.
• Add-ons: child-care & unreimbursed medical/dental/vision—usually 50/50 unless the court orders otherwise.

Income & Proof (FL-150 / FL-155)

Overtime Note:
OT varies seasonally. Attached paystubs show $1,200 OT over 8 weeks;
I averaged $600/month for guideline calculation.

Don’t guess. If you can’t prove a number, don’t use it.

Orders the Court Signs (Attach These)

• FL-342 — Child Support Order Attachment (guideline specifics, add-ons, start date)
• FL-343 — Spousal/Partner Support Order Attachment
• FL-342(A) — Non-Guideline Findings & Order (use only if deviating from guideline)
• FL-191 — Child Support Case Registry (required registry info)

Child-Care & Medical Add-Ons

• Ask for **50/50** sharing of child-care and unreimbursed medical/dental/vision costs.
• Request repayment **within 30 days** of receipt with proof (receipts/EOBs).

Proposed Order (Add-Ons):
Parties shall share child-care and unreimbursed medical/dental/vision costs 50/50.
Payments due within 30 days of receipt with proof attached.

Attorney’s Fees (FC §§2030–2032 & §271)

Your Honor, there’s a significant disparity in access to funds.
FL-150 shows my need; the other party’s ability is shown by income/assets.
Fees of $____ are reasonable (FL-158) and necessary to litigate.

Enforcement & Wage Assignment

• FL-195 — Income Withholding for Support (wage assignment to employer)
• DCSS: You can open a case with your local child support agency for enforcement and collections.
• Keep a running ledger of payments received/owed; attach if arrears are at issue.

Modify Support (Changed Circumstances)

• File an FL-300 to modify when income/time share changes materially (job loss, new schedule, health change).
• Attach a current FL-150, and proof of the change (termination letter, new paystubs, new school schedule).
• Request the effective date as of filing if appropriate.

Calculators

• California Guideline Child Support Calculator (DCSS)
• CA Courts Self-Help (Support)

Example Language You Can Adapt

Orders Requested:
Guideline child support based on incomes in FL-150 and timeshare from FL-311.
Add-ons: 50/50 child-care and unreimbursed medical within 30 days of receipt.

Orders Requested:
Need-based fees of $____ under FC §§2030–2032. My need appears in FL-150;
the other party’s ability to pay is shown by income/assets. See FL-319/158 & invoices.

Explanation:
OT averaged at $600/month based on $1,200 over last 8 weeks (Ex. A paystubs).
Used for guideline calculation.

Access & Logistics (Make Court Easier)

• Find My Court — departments, addresses, local rules
• Interpreter Services — language access
• MC-410 — ADA Accommodation
• RA-010 — Remote Appearance (if your court allows)
• Legal Aid — low/no-cost help

Official Forms (Judicial Council PDFs)