Child Support

Keep this thought in mind when approaching issues of Child Support . . . it is a right concerning the child or children. It has absolutely nothing to do with you or your ex-partner/spouse. So, when you think about Child Support, think about your child or children benefiting from it; even if you believe a large portion of child support is being spent on your ex and not just the child.  Remember, it’s all about standards of living. If you are living large and have a child with someone, then that person and the child are entitled to some of your goods. And trust me, we always underestimate just how expensive it is to raise a child in the State of California.

That notwithstanding, you need to make sure you are either paying or receiving the right child support amount.  Child support is a very complex area of law.  Non-payment of child support can adversely affect a non-custodial parent.  He or she could have their driving privileges, as well as, their professional licenses suspended. Thus, it is important that parents not be required to pay unrealistic child support payments they cannot afford. It is important to obtain the right legal representation to assist you with this process. Lastly, it is important to note that if a parent elects not to work with the hope of avoiding child support payments, he or she can face extreme consequences for such decision.

Monthly Child Support

You need to pay child support if your child resides with the other parent a majority of the time or if you share child custody but have a significantly higher income than the other custodial parent. The amount of monthly child support is calculated based on your gross income. Additionally, your child may have special expenses that you may be responsible for. As a stepparent of a child, you also may be ordered to pay child support upon separation from your spouse. Monthly child support pays for daily costs of food, shelter and other basics. Other things such as swimming classes, tutoring or daycare are special expenses.

Change Child Support

Life happens!  Sometimes our economic situations improve and at other times they may be downright deplorable.  Sometimes there is a significant change in the amount of time parents have physical custody of their child or children.  Whatever the case, a change or modification of child support may become necessary. In order to qualify for a change in child support, you must demonstrate a material change in your circumstances. Until you obtain a court order that changes your current child support obligations, you must continue to pay what you currently owe. Therefore, if you are experiencing financial hardship, you should call our law office to see how we could best assist you with getting your child support payment reduced.  Or, if you are a custodial parent currently receiving a child support award, and you have reason to believe the non-custodial parent has significantly increased his/her income, call us to see how we could best assist you in getting your support award increased.  Note:  If your child support award comes through the Department of Child Support Services, you will need to go through the county to petition the court for an increase.

CONTACT OUR LAW OFFICE TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN ASSIST YOU

To learn more, contact us using the form below or at 951-977-9828 to schedule a free consultation. Spanish translation services are available.