Military Child Support: How Pay, BAH & Bonuses Affect Payments –
“How Much Will I Pay (or Receive) in Military Child Support?”
Child support calculations can be confusing for military families because your pay includes allowances civilians don’t get. Here’s how California courts determine payments.
1. What Income Counts Toward Child Support?
Base Pay (primary salary)
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)
BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence)
Special Pay (Hazard Duty, Flight Pay, etc.)
Bonuses & Reenlistment Incentives
Combat Pay (usually excluded)
2. California’s Child Support Formula
The state uses a guideline calculation based on:
– Both parents’ incomes
– Time spent with the child
– Healthcare & childcare costs
Example: An E-6 with 10 years of service and two kids might pay $1,200–$1,800/month, depending on custody.
3. Special Military Considerations
– Deployment Adjustments – If the service member deploys, support may be recalculated.
– BAH Changes – If you PCS, BAH rates adjust (affecting support).
– Retirement Impact – If a parent retires, payments may decrease.
4. What If My Ex-Spouse Lives in Another State?
– The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) ensures orders are enforced across states.
– California courts can modify orders if circumstances change.
5. How to Modify Child Support
You can request a change if:
– Pay increases/decreases significantly (promotion, separation)
– Custody time changes
– BAH rates adjust
Need Help Calculating or Modifying Support?
We specialize in military child support cases. Get expert guidance today.
