Determining Child Support in Connecticut: A Practitioner’s Guide to the 2026 Guidelines
Connecticut calculates child support using an income shares model: the guidelines estimate the amount of money that would be used to support the child if both parents lived together and pooled their incomes, then divide that amount between the parents based on their respective earnings. The formula is designed to apply consistently across cases, regardless of either […]
Calculating Child Support in Minnesota
Minnesota uses an “income shares” model, which bases support on the combined gross income of both parents. This guide covers the following: Minnesota’s child support calculation is made up of three components: basic support, medical support, and child-care support. Basic support is the core calculation, and it depends on each parent’s share of what the state calls “parental income for […]
California Child Support Calculation Explained
The formula has changed. DissoMaster is gone. Staying current with taxes and changing laws is not optional. Here’s what’s driving child support numbers in California today. California child support isn’t a negotiation; it’s a mathematical formula. Courts apply a statewide uniform guideline under California Family Code § 4052 and § 4055, and judges are required to follow it. Attorneys and the courts must also use child support tools certified by […]
Which California software fits your family law practice?
California divorce attorneys have several options for child and spousal support calculations. The California Judicial Council has certified four private software child support tools. Many courts in California use the state created and sponsored California Child Support Guideline Calculator (DCSS). When a case requires calculations beyond what the standard DCSS calculator can provide, many practitioners turn to Xspouse. […]
Tax Issues in Dividing Property in a Divorce
A 50/50 split looks fair on paper. After taxes, it often isn’t. In almost every divorce case, assets and debts must be divided between the parties. Most practitioners know the legal framework: marital versus separate property, equitable distribution versus community property states. What gets less attention is the tax layer beyond the legal framework. Overlook taxes, and a division that looks balanced can leave one party at […]
California Joint Petition for Divorce: A Better Way to Start a Cooperative Family Law Case
In 2026, California introduced a significant update to its divorce process. Couples can now file a joint petition together. This new option makes it easier for couples who have reached or are working toward an agreement to move forward together. These forms, in addition to many other essential family law forms, are available in Family Law Software. Joint Petition for Divorce (FL-700) and Joint Summons (FL-710) Divorce court forms have been […]
Major Changes to Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, Effective August 1, 2026
Connecticut’s new child support calculation will go into effect on August 1, 2026. This is a major revision to the Connecticut child support guidelines. These updates to child support introduce significant changes intended to create a more equitable child support result for Connecticut families, shift how courts are expected to approach income, and adjust for modern family structures. This article will outline the notable […]
Colorado Child Support Changes Effective March 1, 2026
Colorado’s new child support calculation will go into effect on March 1, 2026. This is a major revision to the Colorado child support guidelines. This new child support calculation introduces significant changes intended to create a more equitable child support result for Colorado families and redefines shared parenting. In terms of the dollar impact, the changes were significant. In some […]
New Jersey Child Support When There is Exactly Equal Parenting Time
It is increasingly common for parties to settle on exact 50-50 time sharing for the children. Although this is becoming well-settled territory among parties, it is surprisingly still unsettled territory with respect to the child support guidelines in New Jersey. This blog explores issues and solutions when tackling child support in exactly-equal time sharing cases in New Jersey. The Core Problem: Equal […]
Navigating the Complexities of Alimony: Introducing the Family Law Software Alimony Calculator
Approaches to alimony vary widely from state to state. Some states, including Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, have formulas that dictate the amount and duration of alimony. Other states, such as California, have suggested temporary alimony formulas that vary from county to county. Still, other states have informal protocols that ask the parties to attempt to equalize incomes after taxes […]