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San Diego Child Support Lawyer

Legal Representation for Child Support Requests & Modifications From an Experienced San Diego, CA Attorney

Child support agreementUnder California law, all parents have a duty to provide financial support for their children. Either parent may request child support. This issue is often addressed during the divorce process, but support may be requested at any time when parents are not married.

Because each situation is unique, it can be helpful to seek the advice of an experienced San Diego child support lawyer. At Embry Family Law P.C., we make sure our clients are receiving or paying the appropriate amount of support.

If you have questions about child support, contact our child support lawyer in San Diego for a consultation.

How is Child Support Calculated in California?

California has specific guidelines for child support. These guidelines use a formula to calculate support payments, which considers:

  • The number of children
  • The custody arrangement
  • Healthcare costs
  • Education costs
  • Childcare expenses

In most situations, the amount shown in the guideline formula is presumed to be correct. The court may deviate from the guideline but will generally only do so in unique cases.

What Is Included in Child Support in California?

Child support payments should cover food, clothing, housing, education and other essentials. Other expenses can be ordered by the judge or agreed to by the parents, such as:

  • Childcare;
  • Medical bills;
  • Travel costs for visitation; and
  • Extracurricular activities.

Can Parents Agree To No Child Support in California?

Under California Family Code, if the court orders one or both parents to contribute to child support, the parents legally cannot refuse these orders. Since financial support is integral to taking care of the child, waiving child support is considered to be against the child’s best interests.

Modifying & Ending Support Payments

Child support payments generally continue until the child reaches the age of 18, or 19 if the child has not graduated from high school. The amount of child support awarded may not be appropriate in the future. If there is a change of circumstances, the court may modify the original order by either increasing or decreasing the payment amounts.

Child support may be modified if one party has experienced a significant change, such as:

  • Job loss
  • Promotion
  • Change in income
  • Severe illness or injury
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Relocation

Can a Lawyer Help Reduce a Child Support Order?

Before you file a modification request for adjustment on a custody agreement, your attorney will need any additional evidence including:

  • Tax returns
  • Pay stubs
  • Bank statements
  • Letter of employment termination
  • Other financial information that may be relevant

It is recommended to hire a child support lawyer in San Diego for guidance on a motion to modify request. Our San Diego child support attorney has the legal knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that child support is correctly calculated, that all special circumstances have been considered, and that you are paying or receiving the right amount of support. When circumstances change, our California child support lawyer can help you request a modification.

Please contact us at (619) 485-6476 to learn how California child support law applies to your situation.

The Embry Family Law P.C. Team

  • Ben E. Embry Photo
    Ben E. Embry

    Founding Attorney

    Ben was born and raised in Henderson, Kentucky, and attended the University of Kentucky. He did not leave Kentucky until he moved to San Diego to attend law school in 2006. Ben grew up on his father’s farm, doing the things that most “farm boys” do: Plowing the fields, tending the cattle, and harvesting crops, all while leaving enough time to fish in the pond. Working for his father is what gave Ben the work ethic he has today. Despite the fact that farming was in his blood, Ben decided early on ...
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    Cecelia Reynoso

    Family Law Associate Attorney

    Bio Coming Soon!
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    Nicholas Montano

    Senior Paralegal/Office Manager

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    Shyanne Mortimer

    Litigation Paralegal

    Bio Coming Soon!
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    Daniel Ledesma

    Legal Assistant

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Why Choose Us?

  • Personalized Approach

    We understand that this is your story and it's different than everyone else's. Our approach is catered specifically to what you're currently going through.

  • Exceptional Customer Service

    We understand that what you're going through can be overwhelming at times. When you work with us you're not just a number, you're now part of our family. Your success is our success, we will guide you every step of the way.

  • Certified Family Law Specialist

    Our attorney has been certified by passing the appropriate written examination in Family Law, demonstrated a high level of experience in Family Law, fulfilled ongoing education requirements and has been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his work.

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