What Are Child Support Add Ons in California?
Quick Answer: Child support add ons are extra costs added on top of the base guideline amount. Under Family Code section 4062, the court must order two mandatory add ons, child care for work or training and uninsured health care, and may order discretionary add ons like special needs and visitation travel. Add ons are usually split equally between the parents.
The guideline child support number is not the whole picture. Real families have daycare bills, braces, and therapy costs, and the law handles those through add ons. If you want to understand your true support exposure, call The Geller Firm at (415) 840 0570 to speak directly with Attorney Michael Geller.
What Is a Child Support Add On?
Base child support, set by California's statewide guideline, is meant to cover a child's ordinary needs. Add ons are specific, extra costs that sit on top of that base amount. Family Code section 4062 splits them into two groups: the ones a court must order and the ones a court may order.
Mandatory Add Ons Under Section 4062(a)
The court is required to order these:
• Child care costs related to a parent's employment, or to reasonably necessary education or training for job skills.
• Reasonable uninsured health care costs for the children, handled under Family Code section 4063.
Discretionary Add Ons Under Section 4062(b)
The court may order these, at its discretion, when they fit the family:
• Educational or special needs costs, such as tutoring, private school, or therapy for a child with special needs.
• Travel expenses for visitation, which matter when parents live far apart.
How Are Add Ons Divided?
The default is an equal split, but the court can apportion add ons in proportion to each parent's net disposable income when an even split would be unfair. For uninsured medical costs, section 4063 sets out a reimbursement procedure: the paying parent provides proof of the cost, and the other parent reimburses their share within a set time. Keeping receipts and giving prompt notice is what makes reimbursement work.
Why Add Ons Matter in Higher Income Cases
For many families, the add ons dwarf the base number. Full time daycare, private school tuition, and specialized therapy can each run into thousands of dollars a month. Because these are ordered on top of guideline support, getting the categories and the split right is often where the real money in a support order lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are add ons automatic?
The two mandatory add ons, child care for work and uninsured health care, are required. The discretionary ones are ordered only if the court decides they fit the case.
How do I get reimbursed for my child's medical bills?
Follow the section 4063 procedure. Keep every bill, give the other parent written notice with proof, and request their share, usually half, within the timeline the order sets.
Can add ons be changed later?
Yes. Like base support, add ons can be modified when circumstances change, for example when daycare ends or a new special need appears.
Speak With a California Family Law Attorney
The base guideline is only the starting point, and the add ons are where careful lawyering pays off. The Geller Firm helps parents across the Bay Area get the full support picture right. You will speak directly with Attorney Michael Geller, in person or virtually. Call (415) 840 0570 or reach us through gellerfirm.com to schedule a confidential consultation.