The Effect of Rising Inflation on Alimony and Child Support Calculations

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.