San Juan Capistrano Child Support Lawyer

San Juan Capistrano Child Support Attorney

When a couple divorces, legally separates, or is no longer in a relationship with one another, there are several issues they need to reach an agreement on. In San Juan Capistrano, one of these issues is that of child support. Whether you’re raising a family near Long View Park or commute for work to other places in Orange County, you need a San Juan Capistrano child support lawyer who understands the legal system and how to ensure an outcome that benefits your child.

Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP: Your California Child Support Lawyer

Ranked as one of the finest family law firms in Southern California, Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, is here to help you no matter what your child support case might involve. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team knows the ins and outs of the local courts at the Lamoreaux Justice Center on The City Drive South, where your case will likely be heard. We pride ourselves on offering all clients the dedicated and personalized care they deserve.

Factors Considered in a San Juan Capistrano Child Support Case

Orange County, California, home to the town of San Juan Capistrano, sees an average of 33 people per day file for divorce within the local court system. When minor children are involved in these cases, the divorcing couple will need to reach an agreement regarding custody and child support. When they cannot reach an agreement on their own, they will need to look to the authority of a family court judge, who will make this ruling for them.

In most divorce cases, the parent awarded the higher amount of custody will also be able to seek financial support from the parent with less custody time. This financial support seeks to help shoulder some of the monetary burden that comes with raising a child. Child support covers the child’s basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, and in some cases, add-ons can be involved, like extracurricular activities and educational opportunities.

When it is up to a family court judge to make a determination regarding child support, they will look at several factors before settling on a decision. Key factors include the following:

• Costs of childcare. Any expenses that are related to necessary daycare or childcare in order for the custodial parent to work or attend further education or job training can be factored into a child support calculation. Average annual daycare costs for children in California are between $16,000 and $20,000.
• Expenses related to healthcare. Any health insurance premiums or necessary medical expenses for the child can be considered while the judge is making their determination regarding support. This can be especially impactful for cases in which the child involved has special physical or mental needs.
• Parental incomes. The courts will look at the gross incomes of both parents. This amount can include salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, and income from rental properties. This is one of the most vital parts of a child support calculation.
• Custodial arrangements. Another factor that will affect a child support calculation is the number of nights the child spends with each parent. The amount of support required in a case will be influenced by any shared custody or visitation arrangements.
• Tax considerations. Any tax exemptions, credits, or deductions related to the children involved can be factored into the final child support calculation.
• Standard of living and the child’s needs. One of the court’s main aims will be to ensure that the child maintains a standard of living that they are used to. Consistency for children is crucial, and the court will do what it can to ensure their education, extracurricular activities, and special needs are met.
• Other children or legal obligations. If either of the involved parents has other children or is obligated to pay support from a previous relationship, the courts can take this factor into account when calculating a final child support amount.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer to Help You Navigate the Legal System

The process for child support is difficult, no matter how amicable you and your co-parent try to remain. At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, we know the facts: nearly 30% of all parents who are eligible to receive child support payments don’t. For this reason, and many others, we make it our mission to help you through every step of the support process — no matter which side of the case you are on — to ensure that your child’s financial interests are protected.

Through every step, we’ve got your back. It is important to prepare for and expect the following steps of the child support process:

• Initiating. A child support case can begin through several different means. It may start as part of a divorce, legal separation, paternity action, or through a case enacted by the Department of Child Support Services. Parents maintain the right to file for this kind of support at any time through the Orange County court system.
• Establishing paternity. If there is any question regarding the paternity of the child, then paternity must be established. This can be done through voluntarily signing a Declaration of Paternity or, in cases where there is a dispute, through genetic testing.
• Income and expense disclosure. Both parents will need to disclose information regarding their incomes, expenses, and other related financials to the court. This will include all forms of income, health insurance, costs of childcare, and any deductions.
• Calculating support. The courts will then calculate the support amount involved based on several different factors.
• Court order or agreement. Once this calculation is made, the court will issue the official child support order that will specify the amount being paid, the payment frequencies, and any additional conditions.

Protect Your Child’s Best Interests Today With Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP

Obtaining fair child support is key when you are facing a divorce or legal separation in San Juan Capistrano. Whether you are the parent hoping to receive these necessary payments or are the party who may be required to pay, the team at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, is here for you. Allow us to review your current situation and ensure that the amount involved is fair and meets your child’s needs. Contact us today to hire a child support lawyer who can help.

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