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The last half decade has been marked by unprecedented events, including a global pandemic followed by the highest rate of inflation seen in 40 years. We are starting to see some prices decrease as inflation cools, but we still haven’t reached pre-pandemic levels. It’s likely we never will, as the cost of goods is affected by other forces.

Rising costs are felt everywhere. Alimony and child support payments that once seemed reasonable may now feel inadequate. How does inflation impact alimony and child support calculations? Do payments automatically increase, or does one of the parties need to request a modification in payment amounts?

The Cost of Living 

The cost of raising a child has substantially increased over the past few years. In 2019, it cost an estimated $233,610 to raise a child from birth to age 18, not including college expenses. In 2025, that estimate increased by over 60% to $375,000.

Families are seeing higher prices in more places than the grocery store. The price of housing, utilities, child care, healthcare, clothing, extracurricular activities, and private school tuition have risen dramatically. 

Inflation erodes the purchasing power of alimony and child support payments. When payments aren’t keeping up with rising costs, families risk falling below the poverty line, the very thing those payments are meant to prevent.

California’s Guidelines on Alimony and Child Support

California’s courts oversee spousal support, also known as alimony, and child support as outlined in the California Family Code. Alimony provides support to a spouse after a divorce or separation so both parties can maintain a standard of living close to the one they had during the marriage. It’s not uncommon for one spouse to experience financial hardship after a divorce, and alimony aims to address that imbalance.

Child support ensures that both parents are contributing financially to their children’s upbringing after the divorce. If the child resides primarily with one parent, the other parent may be expected to pay more towards their support.

However, neither alimony nor child support payments adjust automatically to keep up with increases in the cost-of-living unless the judge includes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) clause in the court orders. COLAs will automatically increase the payments to keep pace with inflation.

Modification Requests

California courts allow requests for modification of alimony and child support payments. Requesting a modification requires proof of a significant change in circumstances. Typically, modification requests are associated with changes in income, the needs of the child, or parenting time. 

Rising inflation can also qualify as a significant change. If the alimony or child support orders don’t have a COLA clause, either party can petition the court and request a modification hearing. 

LPEP Law Can Help

Inflation affects everyone, but when alimony and child support payments aren’t keeping up with rising costs, it can cause financial insecurity. Fortunately, there are legal options available. Our attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri can help you petition the court for modification. We will guide you through the process and ensure you have the necessary documentation to support your request. With our assistance, your request for payment modification is more likely to be successful.

Contact us at (408) 553-0801 to schedule a free consultation. 

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

The shift to remote work has changed many aspects of daily life, including child custody agreements. For divorced or separated parents, virtual employment provides new opportunities for flexible parenting plans, but also introduces unique challenges. Let’s take a look at how custody agreements have changed in the era of remote and hybrid work.

Increased Flexibility for Parenting Time

One of the biggest advantages of remote work is flexibility. Parents who work from home often have more control over their schedules, allowing them to be more involved in their child’s daily routine. This can mean:

• More opportunities for shared custody or equal parenting time
• Easier adjustments to schedules when children are sick or have school events
• The ability to care for younger children without relying on daycare

For some families, this flexibility allows for co-parenting arrangements that would not have been possible with a traditional in-office job.

Modifying Existing Custody Agreements Due to Remote Work

If one or both parents now work remotely, they may need to modify their custody agreement to reflect this change. Some factors that courts consider when modifying agreements include:

• Whether a parent’s work-from-home schedule allows them to provide proper supervision
• The stability and consistency of the child’s routine
• The ability of both parents to communicate and collaborate effectively

California courts prioritize the best interests of the child when reviewing custody modifications. If remote work enables a parent to take on more parenting responsibilities, they may have a stronger case for increased custody time.

Challenges of Remote Work and Co-Parenting

While remote work can offer flexibility, it also presents challenges for co-parenting.

Disruptions During Work Hours

Working from home does not always mean a parent is available to care for their child. Video meetings, deadlines, and work commitments can make it difficult to balance parenting duties. If one parent argues that the other is not able to provide full supervision during work hours, this could lead to disputes over custody arrangements.

Relocation and Virtual Visitation in Custody Agreements

Remote work allows some parents to move to new cities or states while keeping their jobs. If a parent wants to relocate, the custody agreement may need to be revised to account for:

• Long-distance parenting schedules
• Virtual visitation arrangements using video calls
• Travel costs and responsibilities for in-person visits

California law requires parents to seek court approval for major relocations that impact custody arrangements. The court will consider whether the move is in the best interest of the child and how it affects the co-parenting relationship.

Contact Us for Legal Guidance on Custody Modifications

If you are a parent navigating custody changes due to remote work, our family law attorneys can help. An LPEP lawyer can:

• Assess whether your custody agreement needs modification
• Help negotiate a fair parenting plan
• Represent you in court if necessary

As remote work continues to shape family life, we understand that custody agreements must adapt to meet the needs of both parents and children. If you have questions about custody modifications or need to make changes to your current arrangement, contact LPEP to schedule a free consultation with one of our family law experts.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.