Child Support Attorneys in San Diego
Seek the Support You & Your Family Needs
In California, the term "child support" usually refers to payments the custodial parent, or the parent who has custody of the child or children, receives from the non-custodial parent, who is the parent who does not have custody, or has less custody. Though these distinctions usually break down based on who has more parenting time, actual child support distributions can vary from case to case.
How Long Do I Have to Pay Child Support?
In California, child support is normally paid until the child reaches 18 years of age, though in some cases it can continue until age 19. In the cases of children with disabilities which prevent them from becoming self-supporting adults at age 18, child support payments could continue into adulthood.
How Are Payments Calculated?
The amount a non-custodial parent must pay in child support is based on a formula. The payments which result from these guidelines are usually considered equitable by the courts, but can occasionally create situations in which the calculated child support is untenable. In such cases the courts can intervene in order to adjust the payment.
What Factors Affect My Payment?
Some of the factors which go into the child support calculation include:
- Custody time share arrangement
- Number of children being supported
- Income
- Retirement contributions
- Work related expenses
- Taxes
- Health care expense for the child
Child support orders are not fixed, and can be modified by the courts based on a change in circumstances or new information. It is not uncommon for custodial parents to petition the court for additional child support assistance, and non-custodial parents to petition the court for reduced payments. In either of these cases, if you are involved in a child support proceeding it is best to use the services of a qualified attorney in San Diego at Cage & Miles.
Legal Help from a Board Certified Family Law Specialist
If you believe that your child support payments are unfair, and you wish to have them modified, call us immediately. We have worked hundreds of family law cases in the San Diego area, and we know how the courts work.
Call our lawyers now to discuss your child support situation, and let us show you how we can help you. We can be reached at (858) 943-2060 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.