Child Support

Los Angeles Child Support Lawyer

Child support is court-ordered support paid by one spouse to the other who has custody of the children after the parents are separated or divorced. It is the financial support that a non-custodial parent pays to the custodial parent for their children’s economic support.

Child support issues are one of the most contentious matters in California family law. Surprisingly California child support laws only consider a narrow number of factors. It does not take into account what the actual child related expenses are or what expenses such as rent the parent is paying.

A California child support award only takes into account:

• How much each party earns
• How many children there are from the marriage
• The percentage of time the children are under each parents care

In some cases, the court will take into account certain expenses that it considers extra ordinary. These might include:

• For a working custodial parent, the cost of child care
• While attending school to create better employment opportunities
• Medical insurance for the children or medical expenses not covered by insurance
• Hardship

Alimony (support for the former spouse) is very different than child support. A dispute over child support can be particularly harmful financially and emotionally to the children. Child support can be computed with accuracy so each party can be guided by the California law. Once the incomes are determined a worksheet can be prepared to determine the appropriate amount of child support. It is recommended that you utilize an experienced child support lawyer to prepare the worksheet.

If you are the custodial parent you want to ensure that the child support will properly cover all the living expenses. The non custodial parent will want to ensure that the children are provided for but not more that a fair share.

Once child support has been agreed between the parties and a court order issued, governments take a very dim view of the non-payment of child support. Various government agencies will assist the custodial part to collect on the dead beat.

From June 1st, 2009, US citizens travelling abroad (Canada and Mexico included) will need a passport. Parents who owe more than $2,500 in past due child support and have a case with a child support agency, will be denied issuance or renewal of a passport due to federal child support statues law.

Ideally the parties to the divorce or legal separation would enter into a written agreement regarding child support issues. To speak with one of our child support lawyers serving the greater Los Angeles area about this or other family law issue, please contact us today at 626-440-9518 for a complementary confidential consultation.