Simi Valley Child Support Lawyer

Divorce can be difficult enough for a family without added financial concerns. Unfortunately, in any divorce involving children, child support can be a contentious issue that affects all parties.

A seasoned Simi Valley child support lawyer could focus on achieving the best results for you and your family. Whether you need to establish child support, modify an existing order, or collect unpaid support, a diligent family law attorney on our team may be able to help.

Purpose of Simi Valley Child Support Orders

Under state law, both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. This can be more challenging when parents separate or divorce and must maintain two households. When determining a parent’s support obligation, a family law judge must issue an order that meets the child’s needs.

Child support orders generally require a non-custodial parent to pay the custodial parent to help cover the costs of childcare. However, when one parent earns significantly more than the other, the higher-earning parent may be required to pay support, even if they share equal time with their children.

The court’s priority when issuing a support order is to provide the child with a standard of living consistent to that which they enjoyed prior to their parent’s divorce, regardless of the custodial schedule. A skilled attorney could review each family’s support needs and explain how a court may rule in the child’s best interests on a case-by-case basis.

Establishing Child Support under the Statewide Uniform Guidelines

Parents often assume child support is determined by a judge. While these cases are often contested, parents can decide on child support without going to court if they agree. If the parents resolve child support issues on their own, they may submit a consent order to the court, and a judge will approve it, as long as it is in the children’s best interests.

However, when parents disagree, a court can step in and determine the appropriate support amount on their behalf. California Family Code §4055 provides a child support formula, known as the Statewide Uniform Guidelines, for calculating each parent’s support obligation. The Guidelines take numerous factors into account, including:

• The parents’ disposable net incomes
• How much time each parent spends with the child
• Each parent’s tax filing status
• How many children need support
• Whether either parent is paying mandatory union dues or contributing to a retirement account
• The child’s health insurance costs
• Daycare expenses
• Whether either parent is obligated to support a child or children from another relationship

A judge could consider any other additionally factor they deem relevant to determine how much child support a parent must pay. A seasoned attorney in Simi Valley is well-versed in the child support guidelines and could explain how they are applied in specific cases.

Learn More from a Knowledgeable Simi Valley Child Support Attorney

Child support is an important way for parents to provide for their children. However, it can be difficult to agree on a support amount, especially during a contentious separation or divorce.

A capable Simi Valley child support lawyer could answer any questions you may have about establishing, modifying, and enforcing these court orders. Call today and let us help you navigate your child support.