Former WWE star Nikki Garcia and Dancing with the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev finalized their divorce with a private settlement. as reported by Yahoo Entertainment, Garcia agreed to pay $3,500 per month in child support for their 4-year-old son, Matteo, along with two $100,000 lump-sum payments. While the Nikki Garcia divorce settlement avoided a court ruling, it may leave fans wondering how California calculates child support when couples can’t agree?
How California Calculates Child Support
California’s child support formula considers:
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Each parent’s net monthly income
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The amount of parenting time each parent has
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The number of children involved
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Additional child-related expenses (e.g., health insurance, daycare)
The result is a monthly payment designed to ensure the child receives consistent financial support across both households.
Which Factors Matter Most?
Not all inputs carry the same weight. Generally speaking:
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Parenting time has the biggest impact. A shift from 50/50 custody to 70/30 can significantly alter support amounts.
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Income disparity also plays a major role. The greater the gap, the more the higher earner typically pays.
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Number of children increases support, but not as dramatically as time or income difference.
Hypothetical Example 1: One Child, 50/50 Custody
High earner: $45,000/month; Lower earner: $10,000/month
➡ Support = $3,500/month
Hypothetical Example 2: One Child, 70/30 Custody (Lower Earner Has More Time)
➡ Support = $5,700/month
Hypothetical Example 3: Two Children, 50/50 Custody
➡ Support = $4,550/month
Hypothetical Example 4: Two Children, 70/30 Custody (Lower Earner Has More Time)
➡ Support = $7,410/month
Note: These are purely illustrative examples using California’s standard formula. They are not based on Nikki and Artem’s actual incomes.
Estimate Your Own Support
You can use California’s official Child Support Guideline Calculator to estimate what might apply in your own situation. Enter your income, parenting schedule, and basic expenses to generate a rough monthly figure.
Conclusion
The Nikki Garcia divorce settlement highlights the role of income and custody time in determining obligations—not gender, fame, or assumptions. In California, the formula does the math, and parenting time is often the most powerful variable. If you’re navigating custody or support concerns, the attorneys at the Law Office of David Knecht can help you. Call us today at (707) 451-4502.