Mission Viejo Child Support Lawyer

Mission Viejo Child Support Attorney

If you are getting a divorce in California and share minor children with your spouse, you may worry about the potential for paying or receiving child support. For families in Mission Viejo, a wealthy area tucked in the heart of Orange County, child support cases can cause tensions and emotions to rise quickly. Whether you are raising children near El Toro Reservoir or call the area surrounding Pavion Park home, a Mission Viejo child support lawyer can help.

Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP: Advocating for Your Needs and Your Children’s

With over 100 years of combined service, the team at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, is here to serve you. Whether you are the parent seeking child support or the individual who may be required to make these payments, we have the experience and legal know-how necessary to advocate for your rights. Ranked as one of the finest family law firms in Southern California, we have what it takes to protect your children, but also your financial interests.

Understanding Child Support in Mission Viejo

When a couple who shares minor children divorces or legally separates, or otherwise ends their relationship, they will need to reach an agreement regarding child support. In 2022, California saw 5.9 divorce cases for every 1,000 residents, making child support cases prevalent throughout the state.

Child support is a monthly sum, typically paid by the parent awarded with less custody time, to the parent who primarily cares for the children. Although California law calls for both parents to shoulder the financial burdens that come with raising children, child support is designated to provide the children involved with the same amount of financial care and support that they would have received if their parents were still together.

When parents cannot reach an agreement regarding child support on their own, they will need to look to a family court judge to make the determination for them. The courts will take several factors into account when making this decision, including:

• The number of children shared by the couple
• The property expenses of each parent, such as mortgage interest and property tax
• The status of each parent’s individual tax filings
• The income and earning capacity of each individual parent
• The amount of time each parent shares with their child
• The cost of the child’s health insurance plan
• If there are any child support payments being received or paid by either parent from a past relationship

The unfortunate reality is that nearly In 2022 nationwide who are due child support payments receive nothing. Not only is this unfair to the child, but it is unfair to the custodial parent. At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, we are here to help you enforce child support payments or defend you against any accusations that you are not paying the support owed.

What Does Child Support Cover?

When you are involved in a child support case in Mission Viejo, whether you are the parent hoping to receive payments or the parent who may be required to provide the support, understanding what exactly this support can cover is crucial; 2.7 million custodial parents nationwide receive non-cash support in the form of clothing, groceries, diapers, and reimbursements for medical expenses or child care.

Some parents may also receive cash payments, which are meant to go toward the basic needs of the child: food, clothing, and shelter. Child support in California typically does not cover vacations, luxury items, or unnecessary services, or certain non-health medical expenses, such as cosmetic procedures.

Can I Seek a Modification for an Existing Child Support Order?

In California, either parent has the right to seek a modified or even terminate child support order should a change in life circumstances warrant it. Depending on the discretion of the judge, the level of support involved may go up or down, based on the factors involved. These modifications work to ensure that the child support involved in a case continues to fit the needs of the child for whom the support is for.

At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, we can help you navigate the difficulties of seeking child support modification and work to ensure that your child’s rights are protected, yes, but so are yours. There are several reasons why a parent might want to modify a standing child support order. These include:

• Loss of employment or a decrease in income
• An increase in the financial needs of the child
• A change in the custodial or visitation arrangements of the child
• If there are any healthcare or educational expenses necessary

With the help of your attorney, you can gather certain forms of paperwork or documentation that can help you secure the modification you seek. This might include pay stubs, employment termination papers, or medical records.

Penalties for Not Paying Child Support in Mission Viejo

When child support allegedly goes unpaid or payments are late, the custodial parent has the right to take legal action. In these situations, you can hire a child support lawyer to help pursue back payments and even file a motion for contempt. If the judge decides that the non-paying parent is guilty of this, they may face penalties, such as:

• Fines
• Jail time
• Wage garnishment
• Property liens
• Garnishment of government benefits

If you need assistance getting the money your child is owed, or have been falsely accused of not making the required payments, contact a Mission Viejo child support attorney today.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer Today From Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, and Protect Your Child’s Best Interests

If you are dealing with a child support case in Mission Viejo, the attorneys at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, are here for you. Obtaining a fair and reasonable child support order is crucial for all parties involved, and no matter what side of a case you stand on, we are here to help. At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, we can review your current situation, handle all negotiations, and take your case to court if necessary. Contact our offices today to learn more.

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