How San Jose Courts Decide Child Support in High-Income Cases
Child support can be a difficult subject during any divorce or custody case, but when one or both parents are high earners, the process becomes more complex. In San Jose, where tech and medical professionals often have six or seven-figure salaries and substantial stock compensation, standard support formulas may not fit the situation.
If you or your co-parent earns a high income, our experienced San Jose child support lawyer explains what you need to know about how Santa Clara County courts decide payment amounts.
San Jose Child Support Involving High Earners: When the Standard Formula Doesn’t Fit
Under Section 4055 of the California Family Code, courts use a guideline formula to calculate child support, based on each parent’s income, time spent with the child, and certain allowable deductions.
However, courts can deviate from the standard formula when a parent’s income exceeds the level needed to meet the child’s basic needs. Common factors that influence San Jose child support payments in high-income cases:
- Having a monthly income far above average, such as with tech executives, surgeons, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.
- Receiving significant income from stock options, RSUs, or bonuses.
- A wide disparity in parental income and lifestyle.
- Special needs or private education costs for the child.
- The overall standard of living during.
In these cases, judges look beyond the numbers and consider what is reasonable, fair, and in the child’s best interests.
Additional Expenses and Custom Agreements for High Earners In San Jose Child Support Cases
When dealing with high-income parents, child support in San Jose often involves more than just a base monthly payment. Under state laws, Santa Clara County Family Court judges can order additional contributions for education, childcare, healthcare, or extracurricular activities.
In some cases, parents can negotiate a custom support agreement outside of court (though the judge must still approve). Some of the ways child support payments in San Jose can be tailored in high-income families:
- Agreements to cover private school tuition or college savings.
- Annual lump-sum payments based on stock vesting schedules.
- Shared responsibility for nannies, tutors, or specialized care.
- Capped or tiered support tied to fluctuating income or bonuses.
- Reimbursement clauses for unusual child-related expenses.
Custom solutions often benefit both parties, offering predictability and flexibility. This is especially true when one parent’s income varies or includes equity compensation.
Discuss Your Options With Our Experienced San Jose Child Support Lawyer
In high-income families, child support disputes in San Jose rarely involve whether or not to pay for support. They’re about how best to protect the child’s best interests and the amount allowed, depending on each parent’s earnings.
If you or your co-parent is a high earner, don’t leave the outcome to guesswork. At Argyris Mah, LLP, we provide trusted legal representation to clients in these cases and understand the nuances of income from equity, bonuses, and high-paying roles.
Our experienced San Jose child support lawyer can help you create a child support arrangement that’s fair, future-focused, and protects everyone involved. Contact our office and request a consultation today to discuss your options.
Sources:
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM§ionNum=4055.
santaclara.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-division
