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San Diego Child Support Attorneys Helping Clients Understand Child Support

A child support order clarifies which parent will make payments to the other during and after a separation or divorce. The calculations that go into an initial child support order will have a significant impact on parents’ ongoing financial responsibilities. It is important to gather complete and accurate information about each parent’s income and assets to avoid legal disputes down the road.

How Child Support Is Determined

Family law courts determine child support responsibilities for each parent based on several factors, including:

The child custody arrangement
Parents’ respective income levels
The amount of time that the child spends with the higher earning parent
Other child support obligations of one or both parents

Addressing this topic thoughtfully and fairly is vitally important for parents who are separated, divorced or in the process of a divorce.

When Does A Parent Get Child Support?

Both parents are required to share financial responsibility for their kids. A parent can request child support as long as the children in question are under 18, and there is a separation from the child’s other parent like divorce or legal separation. Other instances that allow for a request of child support include petitions to establish paternity, or petitions for custody. In order to receive child support, typically a parent will have to make a formal request in court, unless an agreement can be made with the children’s other parent. If you can’t agree, you can ask the court for a child support order.

An attorney can help parents draft a formal request for order that covers all legal bases necessary. A child support lawyer can also help with gathering and filing the appropriate paperwork to obtain proper child support.

An Award-Winning Legal Team

Butler Law, PC, is a valuable resource who can guide you through the legal processes of pursuing, contesting or modifying a child support arrangement. Our legal team is prepared to represent you with your rights and priorities in focus. Attorney Elyse B. Butler is a family law specialist certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys named her one of the “10 Best” in client satisfaction for the state of California. Our legal team has the skills and experience to help you negotiate a custody agreement that is in the best interests of your child and meets your needs.

When A Court May Modify An Existing Child Support Order

The court recognizes that changes in life circumstances may necessitate changes to a child support agreement. One of the most common changes leading to modifications in support agreements is a significant change in the income and assets of one of the parents. Other factors that may trigger a child support modification include:

A change in the amount of time the child spends with each parent
Family support changes when either parent has a new child or has become a stepparent
Extraordinary life circumstances, such as when a parent becomes disabled or is sentenced to prison or jail
Changes in the financial needs of the child, such as when he or she requires special medical treatments, therapy or tutoring

Our legal team can help you pursue or contest a modification of your child support court order. We make sure that your relationship with your child is the most important part of the equation.