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California Child Support Laws

California child support includes a mandatory minimum amount of child support which is determined by official forms which are available from the County Clerk of any county. The minimum amount of California child support will govern unless the parties' reach a reasonable agreement to the contrary. The parties' agreement must state that:

• the parents are fully informed of their rights regarding child support under California law;

• the child support amount is being agreed to voluntarily;

• both parents declare that their children's needs will be adequately met;

• the right to child support has not been assigned to the county and that no public assistance is pending; and

• the agreement is in the best interests of the child involved.

In addition to child support, a parent may be required to provide the child with medical insurance coverage if coverage is available to the parent at a reasonable cost.

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