Orange County Child Support Lawyer
Understanding Child Support Laws in California
According to California's child support guidelines, a child or children must be provided support—also called maintenance—by both parents. The purpose of child support is to enable any child(ren) to share in the standard of living enjoyed by both parents, even after a divorce.
Orange County Child Support: Understanding Your Rights and Obligations
Contact an experienced Orange County child support lawyer to learn more about the laws on child support. As a certified family law attorney serving Orange County, I have the knowledge to help you define child support matters in your best interests.
I handle all types of child support matters in Orange County, including:
How Is Child Support Calculated in Orange County?
The amount of child support provided in California is determined by a complicated formula. All lawyers have access to computer software that enables them to calculate child support payments based on a variety of inputs. What is important is not the calculation, however, but rather the advice and counseling that precede it, which is why you need the representation of a trusted Orange County family law lawyer.
The crucial issues in determining child support payments include:
- Who is the custodial parent?
- How much time does the custodial and noncustodial parent have with children?
- What are the net incomes of the custodial and noncustodial parents?
- What are the tax ramifications of child support payments in Orange County?
- What legally allowed deductions can you require in the child support calculation?
Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support in California
If a parent can not pay it in California, they'll face a charge with contempt of court. Failure to pay child support is a severe offense and may involve jail time. It can also negatively affect a person's credit score and place liens on their property.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation with our Orange County child support lawyers!
Can You Modify a Child Support Order in Orange County?
In many cases, changes arise in the life of one of the parents that calls for the modification of the original child support order. If your situation qualifies, you can request a change with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer.
Some of the reasons that the court will consider modification for include:
- A change in income of one or both parents
- One parent has lost their job
- One parent has another child from a different relationship
- One parent has been incarcerated
- The child's needs have changed (child care, education, healthcare)
- There has been a change in the amount of time the child spends with each parent
- There has been a change to one or more of the factors used to determine child support
If there has been a significant change in some factor of your child support order, it is important that you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Many parents wait to seek a modification for several reasons. Perhaps they believe the drop in their income will be only temporary; they are too stressed and busy to change the order.
In addition, parents can be in a situation that makes it challenging to file court papers.
Why You Should Hire a Child Support Lawyer
For example, incarcerated parents or parents who think it will be easier to change the support order in the future when they have more time.
Whatever the reason, it is imperative to act immediately as child support orders cannot be changed retroactively.
This means that any changes will be effective for the present, not the past.
For example, if you lost your job six months ago but have only just gotten around to filing for modification, the judge cannot make an order and move forward for the past six months.
You would still owe the original amount of child support for the past six months.
Do not wait to discuss your situation with a family lawyer who can determine your options.
Get Professional Assistance from a Child Support Lawyer in Orange County, CA
With my experience and dedicated representation by your side, you can feel confident that you will reach toward an arrangement that works for you and your child or children.
In addition, our child support lawyers at Kevin B. Gibbs, APLC, offer a free initial consultation.
I will try to schedule this consultation within 48 hours of your call. Are you interested in learning more with our child support lawyers?
Contact my firm to discuss your case with a child support lawyer and learn more about your legal options.
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"I used Mr. Gibbs for my divorce. He was great, very knowledgeable and professional! He was excellent at letting me know the options I had and pointing me in the best direction. He was upfront and honest about outcomes. I was very happy with his service."Joshua Lott
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"I could not have asked for a better experience in the midst of a bad situation than working with Mr. Gibbs. He was honest and fair and patient and kind."Rebecca Sterling
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"He is a great family law attorney and I would definitely recommend him to a friend or family member in need."Les D.
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