Distinguished Legal Group Child Support Lawyer

Child Support and Child Support Modifications in Distinguished Legal Group

Child support is an issue which many parents face whether they have never been married, or are seeking a divorce or a legal separation where there are minor children. In the case of a couple which never married, it may be necessary for a paternity test to be done before the matter of child support can be addressed by the court. Under California Family Code Section 4057, the court can order payment of child support as part of the final divorce or legal separation order. Child support in California is payable until the child is emancipated, reaches 18 years of age or 19 years of age if a full time student or longer when there are special needs. The amount of child support ordered by the court is based upon the income of both parents as well as other factors. Before you agree to a specific amount of child support, it is important that you speak with a Distinguished Legal Group divorce lawyer who can explain your rights and what your child is entitled to receive.

Child Support Attorney serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. 

Child support is calculated in most cases to ensure a certain standard of living for the child. The amount of time each parent spends with the child, childcare costs, healthcare costs visitation travel costs, and the spendable income of each parent is carefully considered. The court generally follows the guidelines in ordering child support but may deviate from this if a parent has an extraordinarily high income or a child has special medical or other needs which require a greater amount. A petition for temporary child support may be requested after a petition for dissolution has been filed which can remain in force until the final decree is issued. The court can also issue a Wage Assignment Order requiring the payer’s employer to pay child support amounts directly to the primary custodial parent. An experienced child support attorney can evaluate your situation and your child’s needs to help you find the best solution.

Both parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support for their child until the child is emancipated, reaches the age of majority or becomes financially self-sufficient. As children mature their financial needs can change just as a parent’s financial ability to provide support can change. The court will consider modifications to child support orders when a significant change in needs or ability to pay has occurred. 

For assistance with child support modification or any child support issues, contact a Distinguished Legal Group child support attorney at our offices.