Orange County and Fullerton, California Child Support Attorney
Child support determinations may be made after a divorce or a paternity action. Whether you are seeking to collect child support or defend yourself against child support obligations, it is important to consult with an attorney who can protect your rights. At The Law Offices of Barry T. Ward, we offer strategic advocacy and counsel to parents paying and receiving child support.
We are dedicated to protecting the financial needs of our clients and the best interests of children in child custody disputes. For more information or to protect your rights and interests, please contact us for a free consultation.
Child support guidelines in Orange County and California
Child custody determinations will be based on the needs of the child, time spent with the child, the number of children and the income of both parties. The specific amount of support is based on a formula provided by the child support guidelines. Alternatively, the mediation process affords parents the ability to make their own determinations of custody and support. We will take the time to explore all of your options and alternatives and will tenaciously protect your rights and pursue your interests.
Facts about child support in California:
- Copies of income and assets are used to verify numbers for the permanent order
- Usually each party will be obliged to pay half of day-care costs
- One or both parties will be required to keep health insurance for the child or children
- College tuition will be paid by agreement and is not usually ordered in the State of California
- Support usually ends at the age of 18, or 19 if the child is still in full-time high school
- If you have a disabled or handicapped adult child, additional child support may be required for adult care
Modifications to existing child support orders
After a child support order is in place, you may need a modification due to a change in circumstance. A loss of job, increase in salary, illness, or the needs of the child may necessitate a modification. Our attorney will explore your rights and identify any change in circumstances that lead to an increase or decrease in support obligations.
Do I have to let my former spouse see the child if child support is unpaid?
Child support is a separate issue from custody or visitation and cannot be used to cause interference in visitation. Even if child support has gone unpaid, you cannot withhold children from seeing their parent under an existing child custody or visitation order.
Contact the Law Offices of Barry T. Ward for a free consultation with an experienced family lawyer in Fullerton, California.
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