Child Support in California

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a financial obligation that a parent has to pay to support her or his child. This continues as they age and mature. Are you the parent who has custody of your son or daughter currently? If so, then the court will assume that the child receives full financial support while residing in your residence.

However, if your child does not live in your house and she or he is not currently under your custody, the court may require you to pay child support to the custodial parent. The entire process may involve several appearances at hearings at one of California’s 58 Superior Courts.

In California, this means that you have to make payments to the custodial parent until your child reaches adulthood. There are other situations where you may only have to make payments until the courts have legally declared your child as emancipated or your daughter or son goes into military active duty. Keep in mind that if your child has special needs, there may be a requirement that you have to make child support payments past the legal age of adulthood.

Terminating Rights

Do you wonder if you can terminate your parental rights and not pay child support? Most states will not allow a parent to do this and cease support unless certain requirements are met. There may be some situations where a court terminates financial responsibilities if both parents agree that one party no longer has to provide financial support to their shared son or daughter. One situation where a parent may be able to terminate her or his responsibility to child support is if someone else, like a stepparent, adopts the child.

Submitting a Petition to Terminate Parental Rights in California is a decision that you should not take lightly. If this legal action succeeds, a parent permanently relinquishes their right to custody, visitation, or inheritance. Those ready to take this step must complete an Investigation Questionnaire. In some cases, the court may ask for more documents or signatures to finish.

Do you believe that the other parent has violated your rights to receive child support? Then get immediate legal help from an experienced California lawyer on standby in your area who can help you fight for your child’s right to financial stability.

Get in contact with us today to get in touch with an experienced legal advocate in your area.

How a California Child Support Attorney Can Help You

If you constantly struggle to get the other parent to pay, hiring a lawyer can help you learn about your available options and guide you on the best decision for your son or daughter.

Many people struggle with parents who refuse to pay. Hiring an experienced and dedicated lawyer will bring you professional help while navigating the legal system. Additionally, you may also have an easier time getting the money your child needs and deserves to better ensure a stable childhood.

Californians can start this process by taking 30 – 45 minutes to complete an online form through Child Support Services. An alternate route is to complete a physical copy of the application and apply in person. Incomplete or missing information can result in a denial, so you may want to take advantage of legal counsel as soon as possible. Once a monthly payment amount is assigned, a parent can submit a payment to the California State Disbursement Unit. Another option is to have an employer take installments directly out of a paycheck.

Whether you look to receive child support payments as a part of an agreed-upon divorce settlement or you are not married and looking to receive financial support, hiring a legal professional in California with a background in child support can help to streamline the entire process. Without the help of a legal advocate, the cost of living can quickly drain your bank account and involve traumatic experiences for your unsupported children.

Working with an attorney can help you to:

• Establish paternity
• Answer a child support petition
• File a petition for support
• Request a child support order
• Explain the tax consequences that come with a child support order
• Work with the other parent to reach an agreement
• Represent you in court
• Locate the other parent
• Subpoena the other parent’s financial information
• Prove income
• Determine any factors that a court will look at to calculate how much is owed
• Educate you on the available child support enforcement options
• Give you an estimate of how much financial support you may receive from the other parent

Do you believe that you deserve to receive payment from the other parent or that you are not receiving a sufficient amount? If you have to answer, yes, then make every effort to avoid missing what your kid deserves. Work with a dedicated California lawyer who fights for your rights as well as your child’s rights.

Information to Share With Your Lawyer

As you work with your lawyer, make sure you share proper documentation to better ensure that you can properly proceed with your case in California. The information that you need to share with your attorney includes:

• Check stubs for the last two years or more if applicable
• Outstanding debts
• A change in debt, such as filing for bankruptcy
• Paternity records
• Adoption records
• Previous child support payment records
• Bonds, stocks or any retirement account records
• Tax return records
• Purchase of sale records for a home, land, or any other type of assets
• Any child support forms that you have

Parents can use the California Child Support Guideline Calculator to estimate these installments. You should also know that the number you receive from this online resource is for planning purposes only. A family law judge or county commissioner has the final determination on a reasonable amount to support your son or daughter. Many factors go into determining this obligation, but you may want to consider these elements:

• Custody status
• Health care costs
• Number of children
• Gross income of the parents
• Regular expenses for food, clothes, and education
• Current obligations for union dues or other work-related expenses

Work with an Experienced Local Lawyer in California

Are you facing a costly and emotional child support battle? Talk to an attorney equipped to help you in this delicate situation. Call now or fill out the simple form below to take steps to protect your children’s interests. Learn more about your child support law options below.

One of our expert California attorneys will help to navigate you through the legal system to get you the money you and your kid should have. We can even help you connect with an attorney across California state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!