Simi Valley Child Support Lawyer

Advocating for Fair Child Support in California

At Sua Law Group, we understand that child support is a critical matter that affects both parents and their children. Our experienced team of Simi Valley child support lawyers is here to guide you through the complexities of child support laws in California and help you secure a fair and just outcome. We are committed to protecting our client's rights and best interests, ensuring a secure future for their children. 

Call Sua Law Group today at (805) 515-4070 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our child support attorney in Simi Valley!

What is Child Support in California?

Child support is financial assistance provided by a noncustodial parent to the custodial parent for the care and maintenance of a child. It is designed to cover a child’s living expenses, including food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, and other basic needs. In California, the law requires both parents to contribute financially to the child’s upbringing, regardless of their marital status or whether they live together.

How is Child Support Calculated in California?

Child support calculations in California are primarily determined by the California Child Support Guidelines, which consider various factors such as:

• each parent's income,
• the amount of time spent with the child,
• additional expenses related to the child's healthcare, education, and childcare.

Our dedicated team of attorneys will work closely with you to gather all the financial information and documentation required to calculate child support accurately. We understand that each case is unique, and we will ensure that all relevant factors are considered to determine the appropriate child support amount.

How Much Child Support Should a Parent Pay in California?

As a rough guideline, the California Child Support Guidelines typically suggest that child support is calculated based on the following rough percentages of income:

• 1 child: Approximately 20% of the paying parent's net income
• 2 children: Approximately 25% of the paying parent's net income
• 3 children: Approximately 30% of the paying parent's net income

These percentages can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier, such as the parenting time split, special needs of the child, and the financial situation of both parents. For accurate and personalized guidance, it’s best to consult with a child support attorney who can ensure the guidelines are applied appropriately to your specific case.

How to Modify Child Support?

Life circumstances can change over time, and it may become necessary to modify child support orders. Whether you are seeking an increase or decrease in child support, our skilled Simi Valley child support lawyers can assist you in navigating the modification process.

It is essential to demonstrate a significant change in circumstances that warrants a modification to modify child support. Such changes may include a significant change in income, job loss, changes in the child's needs, or custody arrangements. Our experienced attorneys in Simi Valley will assess your situation and guide you through the necessary legal steps to seek a modification in child support that aligns with your current circumstances.

How Long Does a Parent Has to Pay Child Support in California?

Child support obligations typically continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, certain circumstances may extend the duration of child support. For instance, if the child has special needs or is attending college, child support may be extended beyond 18.

It is crucial to note that child support obligations automatically terminate when the child becomes emancipated or marries before age 18. Our knowledgeable attorneys will provide detailed information about the duration of child support in your specific case, ensuring that your child's financial needs are met appropriately.

How to Enforce Child Support in California?

Once a child support order is established, it is important that both parents adhere to the terms of the agreement. If the noncustodial parent fails to pay child support as ordered, there are several enforcement mechanisms available. These include:

• Wage Garnishment: The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) can garnish wages from the noncustodial parent's paycheck to fulfill their child support obligation.
• Tax Refund Interception: If a parent is behind on child support payments, the state can intercept their tax refunds to apply to the child support debt.
• Liens: The court may place a lien on the nonpaying parent’s property, such as their home or car, in an attempt to recover unpaid child support.
• License Suspension: In certain cases, the court may suspend the noncustodial parent’s driver's license, professional licenses, or business licenses if child support payments are not made.

If you are the custodial parent and your ex-spouse is not paying child support, it’s essential to consult with a Simi Valley child support lawyer. Your attorney can help you explore enforcement options to ensure that your child receives the financial support they deserve.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support in California?

While it is not mandatory to have a lawyer for child support cases in California, hiring a lawyer can significantly benefit you in ensuring that the child support process is handled properly. Child support issues can be complex, especially when it comes to calculating support amounts, addressing modifications, or enforcing support orders.

A Simi Valley child support lawyer can help guide you through the legal steps and ensure that your rights are protected.

• Accurate Calculation: A lawyer ensures correct child support calculations based on income, time spent with the child, and other factors.
• Understanding Guidelines: A lawyer helps you understand California's child support guidelines and how they apply to your situation.
• Modifications: If circumstances change (e.g., income or parenting time), a lawyer can assist in seeking modifications to the child support order.
• Enforcement: Lawyers can help enforce child support orders, including wage garnishments or legal remedies for non-payment.
• Legal Representation: A lawyer represents your interests in court and helps negotiate a fair resolution.
• Peace of Mind: Hiring a lawyer reduces stress, allowing you to focus on your family while handling legal matters efficiently.

Contact Our Simi Valley Child Support Attorney Today

At Sua Law Group, child support matters can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Our team of Simi Valley child support lawyers is here to provide you with the comprehensive legal support you need during this critical time. We will ensure that your child's best interests are prioritized and that the child support arrangements are fair and just.

By leveraging our extensive experience and deep understanding of California's child support laws, we will guide you through the entire process, from initial calculations to modifications when necessary. Our dedicated team is committed to protecting your rights and securing a stable future for your child.

Contact Sua Law Group today to schedule a FREE consultation with our child support lawyer in Simi Valley! Call us now - (805) 515-4070