California Child Support Attorneys

Secure the support your family deserves. Child support is one of the most important aspects of ensuring a child’s well-being after a divorce or separation. At Cage & Miles, our experienced California child support lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, calculate fair support, and advocate for the financial stability your child needs.

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How Child Support Works in California

Child support is a court-ordered monthly payment that one parent provides to the other to help cover the everyday needs of their minor child or children. These payments ensure that children continue to receive proper care and financial stability after a divorce or separation.

In California, child support may also include additional expenses, known as “add-ons.” These can be:

  • Mandatory add-ons: Childcare expenses and uncovered medical costs for the child.
  • Discretionary add-ons: Expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, or extracurricular activities, which the court may order depending on the circumstances.

By understanding both standard payments and potential add-ons, parents can better prepare for what child support will look like in their case.

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See An Estimated Child Support Payment

In just a few minutes, you'll find out how much will you could receive or pay in child support. Our calculator relies on the state of California’s formula for a better understanding of your potential finances involved.

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Helping Parents Resolve Child Support Matters

When the parents can provide the information needed for the child support calculation and agree on the inputs for the formula, guideline child support can be easily calculated by an experienced child support lawyer. Parents are often able to reach agreements on child support since the court is mandated to order the guideline amount.

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Keep child support fair by updating orders to fit today’s needs.
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Speak With a Child Support Specialist

Contact us for a confidential, introductory conversation with our Intake Specialist. We’ll talk with you about your unique family law matter, and match you with an attorney who is best suited to handle the particular issues in your case, so we can help you take the next step forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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According to California child support laws, courts are required to make guideline support orders. The guideline amount is determined by a formula that factors in the number of minor children, each party’s time share with each child, the income of the parties, and each party’s tax filing status and deductions.

You can get a base estimate of your child support payment by using our free calculator here.

In California, child support payments normally continue until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. In cases of children with disabilities that prevent them from becoming self-sufficient adults at age 18, child support payments may continue into adulthood. In addition, if the parties have agreed to extend child support past the statutory time period pursuant to a written agreement that will be enforced by the court as well.

Some of the factors that go into the final child support calculation can include:

  • The number of minor children
  • Other court-ordered child support payments
  • The amount of time each parent cares for the children
  • Tax filing status and dependent exemptions
  • Income available for child support (broadly construed)
  • Pre-tax retirement contributions
  • Mandatory retirement contributions or union dues
  • Taxes
  • Health insurance premium deductions
  • Property tax deductions
  • Interest payment deductions
  • Mandatory or discretionary add-ons

Child support orders are not fixed, and can be modified by the courts based on a change in circumstances or new information. If there is a change to one of the factors used to calculate the previous guideline child support order, child support will be modified.

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Client Testimonials

Hear directly from the individuals and families we’ve helped through complex, emotional legal matters. Their words reflect our commitment to clarity, compassion, and successful outcomes.

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Amazing team of experts - I could not have navigated the past 4 years without their help for custody, child support, bankruptcy and even a name change. Thank you so much Steve and Rob for making my 4 children your priority.

Ana T

I hired John Sylvester two years ago while I was going through several issues in my family law case. To date, he has helped me resolve every single one of those issues in my favor. His professionalism and knowledge of the law is second to none. He was always responsive when I had questions. He helped me understand how everything worked, from RFOs, to subpoenas, to trial litigation. John always had a plan, and he was always prepared. He was able to take all the information I gave him and make sense of it all. John never pushed me to spend more money and Rebecca the co-owner was kind enough to work out the financial aspects of my bills with me. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with John, and I have already recommended him to friends and family who want the best family attorney in San Diego.

Anthony C

Steven set my mind at ease immediately. My situation felt incredibly difficult and extreme. After our initial consultation I knew that when the time came for me to act that Steven was the perfect professional for me to hire. He was very diligent dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” while carefully explaining each step through completion. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a finer job. Thank you!

Coach Miller

This review is long over due. I cannot say enough nice things about Jillian Duggan-Herd. Over the past several years, Jillian has helped me with multiple family law issues. Every single time, Jillian was able to help clear up the issues with integrity, honesty and a high standard of ethics. Jillian is a professional of the highest standards. Without the help of Jillian, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. Jillian will stand by your requests and will guide you through what is sometimes a very stressful and lengthy process. Though there were MANY difficult challenges for Jillian in my personal cases, she did not falter. Not once... Thank you Jillian for the dedication, professionalism, honesty and integrity. Your hard work has allowed many smiles within our family and we are extremely grateful. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are an 11. Keep up the amazing work!

James Dougherty

Vanessa is an absolute legal treasure! Her breadth of knowledge is astounding and her ability to deliver supportive and critical feedback has made all the difference in how I view family law, coparenting, and child support. You cannot go wrong retaining her or her colleagues.

Kate Delgado

Elizabeth Brown and the firm are outstanding. They take the high road and are professional, caring and know how to navigate the court system for the best interests of children. They keep focused. Return calls and emails promptly. As I navigate through life with my children in a complicated situation, Liz Brown continues to be available to meet legal and communication needs. I have kept her as my attorney for 10 years and will continue until my children are adults. I highly recommend her and the firm at which she works. Lynn S

Lynn Schulman

They are very good company to deal with the family law, I had Mehry Mohseni and Stephanie they did an awesome job. They will let you know what is going on in your case, help you how the court works and put you in the picture when you go inside the court what you expect to happen. They will prepare you for your court day very well.I’ll recommend them to anyone going through these kind of problems they will do their best for you.

Aya Lockman

I wanted to hire them but I couldn't because of a conflict of interest but I am well aware of a certain case that one of their lawyers is working on. I am close with her client (hence the conflict of interest). Jillian is an absolute beast and I totally wish I could hire her to take on my case! But she fights for her clients! She does her work and then some! She is on top of everything! She knows what she's doing and she is one of the best lawyers I've ever seen. If you're looking for a Trial/Family Law lawyer, she is the woman for you! She took my "friend's" case on and now his case is literally 180 from what it was before! Trust me, she is worth every penny!

Katey Figueroa

I'm grateful to have Tess' expertise and insight into my child support matter. She was extremely knowledgeable as well as compassionate. It was a relief to have her guidance during a difficult time. It's evident that she goes the extra mile for clients and combines caring with knowledge and experience.

Laura

Jaime Cage and her team have seen me through some very complex custody and child support issues over the past 2 years, including 2 full trials. Jaime is incredibly competent, organized, honest, and trustworthy. She blends professionalism and empathy perfectly, and has never made me feel like just another case or billable hour. She has straightforward and insightful advice and advocates for what I care most about. She's thorough and effective both in court and with attorneys on the other side of the case. She's also just fun to be around, which is really important when you're spending money sitting around a courthouse waiting for your turn to be heard!

Kristi K

Jamie Learakos supported me through family court for the last ten years until the conclusion of my case with my youngest son graduating High School. I highly recommend her as a partner guiding me through family court and an attorney who truly understands the life cycle while focused on your best interests.

Masaka Lodge

I can not say enough about how helpful and professional both Shannon and Jaime are. They walked me through every step of my case and were always well prepared. They were both available to answer any questions I had during a tough time. Both of these ladies show great professionalism and dedication to their clients and I definitely felt this the whole time working with them. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a Family Law Attorney. Thank you both again!

Miranda T

Cage and Miles is an awesome law firm that always looked out for your best interests even if I didn’t always agree. Mehry Mohseni, is highly knowledgeable and a hard-working attorney who spends countless hours with you and provides excellent representation. She will look out for your interest but more importantly your child’s interests as well. Cage and Miles will also litigate when they need to, so you can avoid costly court and legal fees. Highly Recommend!

Nick Chu
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Your Child Support Attorneys

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Shannon B. Miles
Founding Partner
Shannon B. Miles
Shannon B. Miles
Jaime N. Cage
Founding Partner
Jaime N. Cage
Jaime N. Cage
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Partner
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Avi Levy
Partner
Avi Levy
Avi Levy
Adrian Doty
Attorney
Adrian Doty
Adrian Doty
Alaina Lynch
Attorney
Alaina Lynch
Alaina Lynch
Allison Kuska
Attorney
Allison Kuska
Allison Kuska
Ashley Bell
Attorney
Ashley Bell
Ashley Bell
Carmen Ramos
Certified Family Law Specialist
Carmen Ramos
Carmen Ramos
Chelcee Eads
Attorney
Chelcee Eads
Chelcee Eads
David Crosgrove
Attorney
David Crosgrove
David Crosgrove
Deanne Arthur
Attorney
Deanne Arthur
Deanne Arthur
Dillon Clayton
Attorney
Dillon Clayton
Dillon Clayton
Evan Wender
Certified Family Law Specialist
Evan Wender
Evan Wender
Garen Gevorkian
Attorney
Garen Gevorkian
Garen Gevorkian
Jaimee Johanning
Attorney
Jaimee Johanning
Jaimee Johanning
James Dooley
Certified Family Law Specialist
James Dooley
James Dooley
Jamie Learakos
Attorney
Jamie Learakos
Jamie Learakos
Lauren Trinrud
Attorney
Lauren Trinrud
Lauren Trinrud
Leyla Tabatabaie
Certified Family Law Specialist
Leyla Tabatabaie
Leyla Tabatabaie
Lindsay Abel
Attorney
Lindsay Abel
Lindsay Abel
Maria Spear
Certified Family Law Specialist
Maria Spear
Maria Spear
Mehry Mohseni
Certified Family Law Specialist
Mehry Mohseni
Mehry Mohseni
Naomi Fribourg
Attorney
Naomi Fribourg
Naomi Fribourg
Ryan Goulet
Attorney
Ryan Goulet
Ryan Goulet
Sandra Mayberry
Certified Family Law Specialist
Sandra Mayberry
Sandra Mayberry
Traci Hoppes
Certified Family Law Specialist
Traci Hoppes
Traci Hoppes
Vanessa Gomez
Attorney
Vanessa Gomez
Vanessa Gomez
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We’ll discuss your unique situation and match you with the attorney best suited to help you move forward.

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Serving Southern California Families

Experienced Child Support Attorneys Near You

Cage & Miles family law attorneys serve all of San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino. No matter where you are in Southern California, our family law attorneys are prepared to speak with you so that you can gain insight into the options for your family law case.

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