Laguna Beach Child Support Lawyer

Laguna Beach Child Support Attorney

In child support determinations, the parent who spends more time with the kids is reasonably determined to need more funds to care for them. The less child custody and visitation a parent has, the more child support they may pay. Child support battles can become contentious if either parent finds the determination unfair. Disagreements regarding child support are just one of the challenging aspects of family law and a valid reason a Laguna Beach child support lawyer is vital to the process.

The experienced lawyers at Quinn and Dworakowski, LLP, will represent you when seeking a fair child support and custody arrangement. We’ve had decades of experience with a variety of child support situations and can skillfully and aggressively advocate for your interests.

Determining Child Support in California

In many cases, child support is determined along with child custody, usually during divorce proceedings. While it can often feel like child support is a payment from one spouse to another, sometimes on top of spousal support, it’s important to remember that the purpose of child support is to benefit the children involved. It can help reduce the tensions of the situation if the children remain the focus.

California has a guideline calculator for child support that uses a specific formula to give judges a baseline regarding what child support should be. However, the judge in the case does have some discretion and opportunity to adjust the arrangement if they believe the specifics of the situation warrant it. Some of the factors that go into the formula for consideration include:

• Income – The income of both parents from all sources will be one of the most important factors.
• Custody and Visitation – The more time that a child spends with a parent, the less that they may need to pay in child custody.
• Tax Filing Status – How a parent files taxes will impact the calculation.
• Other Children – The number of other children a parent is supporting can have a direct impact. This includes other child support payments that are made by either parent.
• Healthcare Costs – The cost of healthcare premiums and medical expenses related to the child are included in the process.
• Childcare Costs – The costs of childcare needs that are related to employment or education are considered.
• Additional Factors – If there is anything else that is out of the ordinary or any special needs that create additional costs, those things will also be factored into the calculation.

Do I Need A Child Support Lawyer?

While it is possible to represent yourself in a child support determination case, it is not recommended to do so. A Laguna Beach child support law firm is well-versed in all areas of family law, and knows how to aggressively advocate for the interests of its client. You have a much better chance of a favorable outcome with a legal professional at your side who knows how to present your desires effectively.

There is a lot of financial documentation required to be submitted to the court in a child support case in Laguna Beach. Your Orange County child support lawyer can assist you in collecting these materials and ensure that no detail is missed. This can be especially important if you have special circumstances, like a high earning parent or the dissolution of a high income divorce.

Laguna Beach Child Support FAQs

Q: Can Child Support be Modified?

A: Child support can be modified. However, there will need to be sufficient reason for the modification to take place. This usually means some kind of substantial change in circumstance that affects the prior arrangement enough to warrant modifications. Examples are a new career, a job loss causing a drastic shift in income, or a significant increase in availability for childcare. If the court allows a hearing, both sides will present their case, and the judge will decide whether to issue new orders.

Q: What Happens if Child Support Isn’t Paid?

A: If child support isn’t paid, a number of different issues could arise. Direct wage garnishment is often the first step. However, other measures may be taken, including seizing assets and intercepting tax refunds. If the problem persists, passport restrictions and driver’s license suspensions could occur. The non-paying parent may also find themselves held in contempt of court, which results in fines or even jail time in some cases.

Q: What Happens if the Parent Paying Support Loses Their Job?

A: If the parent paying support loses their job, they should notify the court as soon as possible and may want to file for modification of the child support orders. One of the first things they should do after losing their job is talk with a Laguna Beach child custody lawyer who can help them understand their options.

Q: Will Child Support Impact Child Custody?

A: Child support payments will not necessarily have an impact on child custody. There is no way to “buy” more time with your child. Rather, it is a child custody arrangement that is going to have an impact on the child support payment, as a parent who has less time with the child, if they are paying support, will usually need to pay more support.

A Laguna Beach Child Support Lawyer Could Help You With Your Child Support Needs

Child support often involves significant tensions. The rules can create potential frustration and anger. Ultimately, it is up to the judge to make the determinations on child custody, child support, and visitation. They will aim to keep the life of the child stable and secure with as much consistency as possible. The court will always focus on what is in the interest of the child. It is vital to have a Laguna Beach child support law firm advocating for you.

Enlisting the support of the team at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, provides the legal guidance and representation child support matters require. They have vast experience representing clients in a large variety of custody disputes or special circumstances. We’ve successfully advocated for clients in high income divorces, unmarried parents, and many other complications. It’s crucial to have legal counsel you can trust to help you get a favorable outcome in your child support dispute.

Contact us today, and we can schedule a consultation to discuss your child support questions. We can review the unique details of your case, and we can work together to craft a thorough and effective path forward so you can feel confident your desires are being carefully considered by the court.