Q: When is the DissoMaster Used in Child and Spousal Support Cases?
In highly contentious custody battles, the court often orders a PPA (Primary Physical Assignment) arrangement. Similarly, for cases where child or spousal support becomes a significant point of contention, does the judge typically order the use of DissoMaster? Can I proactively request that the judge employ the DissoMaster tool? Additionally, if the presiding judge is relatively new to the family court, would relying on DissoMaster be a preferable approach to streamline and resolve disputes related to support? Furthermore, when DissoMaster calculates "Spousal Support or Alimony", will the court typically accept its output without delving deeper into other potentially complicating factors?
A: Courts are required by California law to follow statewide uniform guidelines in setting child support orders. There are different programs used by practicioners and courts that help calculate guideline child support. Dissomaster is a a paid software used by many practicioners and courts. There is also a free child support calculator available online through the California Department of Child Support Services. https://childsupport.ca.gov/guideline-calculator/ Dissomaster can also be used to calculate spousal support. Courts generally have more discretion in setting a spousal support taking into consideration numerous statutory factors under Cal. Family code section 4230. Parties can request and courts can make temporary orders on child and spousal support pending a final determination. Depending on the type of income you and your former spouse earn, it may be advisable to consult an experienced family law forensic accountant. For example, if one of the parties earns bonus income or has a compesentation package that includes stock units, a bonus table may be necessary to capture that income. The stock units will have to be characterized as community or separate property, as well as valued to prevent double-dipping. Consulting an experience family law attorney will help you come up with the most accurate child and spousal support calculation.
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