Orange County Child Support Lawyer

Overview of Child Support

If you are currently dealing with any legal issue related to child support, it is of the utmost importance for your legal rights to be protected and your case properly presented by an attorney. I am a board-certified family law specialist and am ready to provide you with the legal counsel you need in your Orange County child support case.

First and foremost, a judge will not make a determination on who will be paying child support until child custody or the paternity of the child has been established. In California there is a specific guideline that is used by the family law courts when determining the amount of child support that must be paid. In most instances, the parent who receives physical custody of the child will most likely be the parent receiving child support payments. However, if joint physical custody is awarded then child support may be paid by whichever parent the child spends less time with. However, if the child spends equal time with both parents, a judge will take into consideration which parent has a higher income and the needs of the child.

California State Guidelines for Determining Child Support

The following may be taken into account when the courts determine what amount of child support should be awarded:

• How much money does each parent earn or receive?
• Are there any mandatory union fees or retirement contributions that a parent must pay?
• Does the child have specific medical needs?
• Which parent pays health insurance?
• How was child custody awarded?
• Has paternity been established?
• How many children do the parents have together?
• How many other children are currently being supported from other relationships?
• What amount of time does each parent spend with the child?
• Are there any child care costs?
• What status does the parent use when filing taxes?

Attorney for Orange County Child Support Cases

Child support will need to be paid until a child reaches his or her 18th birthday unless there are educational or medical reasons as to why it should be paid for a longer period. If you are in need of an Orange County child support lawyer, please contact my firm today. I can make sure that your rights, as a parent, are not violated and that your child support requests are taken into consideration by the courts. Whether you are a parent facing paying child support or getting child support, or if you have questions about child support costs, I can help by providing superior legal representation for your case.