Establishing, Enforcing, & Modifying Child Support Arrangements
At Sullivan Law & Associates, our Newport Beach child support attorney have extensive experience in all aspects of child support arrangements. From resolving child support due to divorce to ensuring a non-custodial parent shares financial responsibility with their child, our experienced and aggressive child support lawyers will fight for you and your family’s best interest.
We know how California child support guidelines work and understand how to present our clients’ cases to protect their interests and the well-being of their children. Contact Sullivan Law & Associates today at 949-590-8100 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our team of legal experts can help.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a recurring payment plan one parent gives to the other to help them pay for expenses related to the child. Like any family law issue involving minor children, child support can easily become complex and contested. Since this arrangement affects your child’s well-being and financial situation, it’s important you find quality representation that can deliver positive results.
Establishing a child support plan does not have to be a stressful experience. Call our child support attorneys in Newport Beach at (949) 590-8100 or contact us online for sound legal guidance.
How Is Child Support Calculated in CA?
According to California law, child support must be calculated in accordance with specific statewide guidelines. These guidelines are:
- Determining each parent’s gross income (wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, social security, pension, inheritances)
- Determining each parent’s disposable income
- Determining if each parent has any prior court-ordered payment arrangements, if so, this could affect the payment amount
- Determining the payment amount based on the factors above and the child’s specific needs
Though there is a set formula used to create a child support payment plan, there are ways to properly represent a case to help achieve a result that works.
Understanding The Legal Involvement In California Child Support Cases
In California, child support amounts are typically determined during divorce proceedings. However, it is the responsibility of each party to stay informed about the actual needs of the child, regardless of whether they are the primary caregiver or not.
This means that both the obligation to pay child support and ensuring the amount aligns with the child’s current needs are equally important. The assessment of these needs is categorized into three areas.
- Child Support Calculation: Initially determined during child custody proceedings or through subsequent cases after divorce.
- Arrears Issues and Back Child Support: Addressing non-compliance in child support payments by the obligated party.
- Modifying Existing Child Support: Requesting adjustments to the originally determined amount of child support payments, whether to increase or decrease.
Our team of child support lawyers in Newport Beach provides a comprehensive and effective legal strategy for both payers and recipients. Rely on our experienced professionals to evaluate your child’s financial requirements by examining the circumstances of your initial payment hearing and determining if they still apply to both parties. Rest assured that we will deliver the best possible outcome for your case.
Handling Child Support Cases Involving High-Wage Earners
In 1992, the California legislature implemented a child support calculation formula that takes into account the incomes of both parents and the time the child spends with each parent. However, when the father’s income reaches the millions, the court considers additional factors to ensure the child receives the necessary support.
At Sullivan Law & Associates, our clients rely on our California family law attorneys for confidentiality and a just resolution. We specialize in representing parents involved in high-earning California child support cases, including:
- Professional athletes
- Celebrities
- Entertainers
- Business figures
Determining Child Support for Self-Employed Parents
Our Newport Beach child support lawyers have a strong background in finance and excel in conducting thorough financial analyses to secure fair child support orders for our clients. We specialize in handling complex cases involving tech entrepreneurs, high-earning consultants, and individuals with varying income sources that require meticulous evaluation and projection for the future.
When it comes to divorce, paternity claims, or any family law matter involving a self-employed parent, it is crucial to have the guidance of a resourceful and financially astute attorney. While the law mandates full financial disclosure, disagreements regarding actual income, necessary expenses, and other matters often arise in such cases. Rest assured, our team is here to protect your rights and ensure that your best interests are safeguarded throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Child Custody and Visitation Affect Guideline Child Support?
The court follows a guideline formula when determining child custody arrangements, taking into account the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Generally, the laws state that the parent who has been granted full custody or has the majority of the caregiving responsibilities incurs more expenses for the child’s support.
Therefore, even if both parents earn the same income, if one parent has more time with the child, the other parent would be required to make child support payments. This is the case even when both parents have equal incomes.
What Exactly Does Child Support Cover?
Childcare expenses for the custodial parent can be quite costly, extending beyond the basic necessities like clothing and food. In California, additional expenses, such as those related to child support, can also be taken into account, such as:
- Medical Bills
- Education expenses
- Travel or Transportation
- Entertainment
- After-school or extracurricular activities
- College tuition and expenses
Can Adult Children Be Eligible For Child Support In Orange County?
According to California family law, a child attains adulthood upon the occurrence of either of the following:
- A child reaches the age of 18 and has graduated from high school, or
- A child reaches the age of 19
Once a child reaches the milestone of “adulthood,” the court’s authority in matters of child custody, visitation, and child support ceases, unless there are exceptional circumstances at play.
In specific situations, child support can be extended beyond emancipation, referred to as adult support, for a child who is unable to earn a living and lacks sufficient means. This ensures financial assistance for an incapacitated child, ensuring their well-being and livelihood.
Under California Family Code 3910, “The father and mother have an equal responsibility to maintain, to the extent of their ability, a child of whatever age, who is incapacitated from earning a living and without sufficient means.”
How Are Day Care Costs Accounted For In Child Support Calculations?
In the majority of divorces involving young children, the child support order typically includes daycare costs, health insurance expenses, and medical care. A general guideline is that the expenses for child care, necessary for the custodial parent to work full-time, should be shared equally. However, various factors can influence the determination of this order.
Having a knowledgeable Newport Beach child support lawyer can greatly impact your ability to receive the entitlements you deserve or ensure that the child support you are obligated to pay is reasonable.
Contact Our Experienced Newport Beach Child Support Lawyers Today
At Sullivan Law & Associates, our Newport Beach child support attorneys are proud to provide complete and detailed information on the child support topics that matter to you. If you need further assistance with any of these issues or another family law case, please call us today at (949) 590-8100 or contact us online for trusted legal guidance.