Torrance Child Support Lawyer

Calculating Child Support Payments in California

California utilizes a set of guidelines and strict calculations in order to determine what child support payments should be made, and by which parent. If one parent is awarded child custody after divorce or other family law dispute, the other parent is often required to provide some level of financial assistance.

The amount of these support payments will be determined by a state-ordained calculator, which will consider a number of factors including - although not limited to:

• Income of both parents
• Amount of time each parent spends with the child
• Number of children
• Hardship deductions
• Child care costs
• Any special needs of the child

While this formula may seem straightforward, there are a number of caveats that can complicate matters or skew the final numbers if they are not properly addressed. A trustworthy and experienced Torrance child support lawyer from our firm can help you confirm that the numbers included are computed properly and in accordance with California state law.

We can ensure that any financial hardships are not overlooked. If the other parent is self-employed, we can conduct a cash flow analysis with the help of a financial expert.

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Call (310) 904-6648 today or contact us online to learn more about how our respected Torrance child support attorney can put 70 years of combined experience to work for you.

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Understanding the Importance of Child Support

Child support plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and financial stability of your child. It is a legal obligation that both parents must fulfill, regardless of their relationship status. At Colleen & Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we understand the significance of child support and are dedicated to helping you navigate through the complexities of the process.

Here are some key points to understand about child support:

• Financial Stability: Child support provides financial stability for your child, covering essential expenses such as education, healthcare, housing, and food.
• Fairness: Child support is calculated based on various factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Our experienced Torrance child support lawyers will ensure that the calculations are fair and accurate.
• Enforcement: If the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support, our dedicated team will help you enforce the court-ordered support. We will explore legal options to ensure your child receives the financial support they are entitled to.
• Modification: Life circumstances can change, and child support orders may need to be modified accordingly. Whether you are seeking an increase or decrease in child support, our skilled attorneys will guide you through the modification process.

At Colleen & Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we are committed to providing thorough and honest client representation in the South Bay area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of child support.

Establishing Child Support in California

When a divorce or separation occurs, the need for child support may arise. Either parent can request child support through the family court. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

• Filing for Child Support: The parent seeking support files a petition with the court. This document outlines the request for child support and includes relevant financial information.
• Response from the Other Parent: The non-custodial parent is served with the petition and has the opportunity to respond. They may agree to the proposed amount or contest it, leading to further negotiations or court hearings.
• Calculation of Support: The court will use California’s child support guidelines to calculate the appropriate support amount based on the financial information provided by both parents.
• Court Order: Once the support amount is determined, the court will issue an order outlining the payment terms, including the amount and frequency of payments.
• Enforcement: If the non-custodial parent fails to make payments, the custodial parent can seek enforcement through the court, which may involve wage garnishment or other legal actions.

Child Support Modifications

Life is full of changes, and sometimes those changes necessitate a modification of your existing child support agreement. Whether you’ve experienced a change in income, job loss, or a shift in your child’s needs, our experienced Torrance child support attorneys are here to help you navigate the modification process with ease.

Here are some common reasons for seeking a modification:

• Change in Income: If either parent has experienced a significant increase or decrease in income, it may be grounds for a modification.
• Job Changes: A new job or loss of employment can impact your ability to pay or receive support.
• Changes in Child’s Needs: As children grow, their needs evolve. This could include medical expenses, educational costs, or extracurricular activities.
• Relocation: If one parent moves to a different state or city, it may necessitate a review and potential modification of the support agreement.

Enforcement of Child Support

When a parent fails to make court-ordered child support payments, it can create significant financial strain on both the custodial parent and the child. To address this issue, various enforcement measures can be implemented.

Courts can order the non-custodial parent’s employer to garnish wages, withholding a portion of their income to cover child support obligations. Additionally, the state may intercept tax refunds or lottery winnings to satisfy any unpaid child support. In cases where a parent willfully neglects to pay, they may be held in contempt of court, facing potential fines or even jail time.

Contact Our Torrance Child Support Lawyer Today

At Colleen & Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we are committed to communicating with our clients in order to ensure that we clearly understand each individual's needs and goals. We can work to thoroughly prepare your child support case so as to be ready to present the appropriate calculations in court.

No matter what complications you face in your child support case, we are prepared to stand beside you throughout the legal process ahead.

If you are raising a child alone, we can work to ensure that you receive the funds you deserve. If you are facing child support obligations, we will work with you to ensure that your rights are ensured and you are not forced to pay an unfair amount.

Our legal team will strive to settle your case out of court in order to help you avoid the costly process of litigation, but we are always prepared and never afraid to pursue a resolution in court if this is in your best interest. If you are dealing with a child support case in Torrance, don't wait.