San Diego Child Support Lawyer

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

Under 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.