In California, both parents share the responsibility for the financial support of their minor children. Child support is the amount of money that one parent pays to the other parent each month so that the children are financially supported. Child support payments usually continue until a child reaches the age of 18, gets married or becomes emancipated. If a child is older but is still living at home, single, in high school, and unable to financially support themselves, then a court may order the child support payments to continue. A parent may also support a special needs child through adulthood.
Child support payments are determined based on set child support guidelines. These California guidelines set forth a formula, generally, by computing the net income of both parties, the percentage of income earned by the non-custodial parent, the number of children, and the percentage of time each parent spends with the children. There are a number of other specific variables that can have an effect on the estimate guideline support amount.
Our attorneys have significant experience in child support matters (both private and working with the Department of Child Support Services) and we can advance arguments that advocate your interests regarding your child support case. In addition, we can review support calculations to estimate what guideline child support may be in your case.
Our firm can also assist clients if a parent becomes delinquent with their child support payments by pursuing legal action to enforce support orders and ensure future support payments on any arrears.
