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La Mirada Family Law & Child Support Attorneys

RM Law Group attorneysExperienced Family Law Representation

Family law cases can be very difficult. If you are going through a divorce and are seeking to obtain child custody or visitation rights, you should know that you do not have to go through the process alone.

Every parent wants the best for his or her child and this is the same even during a divorce or legal separation. Even if your marriage is coming to an end, you will likely feel responsible to provide your child with a similar quality of life that existed before the divorce. Creating a suitable child support structure, as well as an environment that is stable, is a priority you would want in order to ensure that your child is provided for.

Obtain the Legal Support Your Family Deserves

If you are facing a child support dispute, you should consider seeking the legal support of a qualified family law attorney. The attorneys at RM Law Group, LLP understand that every family’s situation is unique and that every set of child support obligations will differ. The family law attorneys at RM Law Group, LLP will work tirelessly to ensure your rights and interests are protected.

Child Support Laws in the State of California

California’s Family Code Section 4053 sets the guidelines for child support in the state. For the most part, both parents, despite marital status, are responsible for contributing to the child’s support. In certain situations, one parent will contribute more than the other.

California has a formula, known as the Statewide Uniform Guideline, used to determine how much child support will need to be paid. When parents cannot come to terms on the child support, a family court judge will decide the amount based on the calculations determined under the guideline.

Guideline calculations can depend on the following:

  • The amount of money each party earns or can earn;
  • The amount of other income each party receives;
  • How many minors the parties have together;
  • The amount of time each party spends with the minor(s);
  • The tax filing status of each party;
  • Any child support amount received from other relationships;
  • Mandatory union fees;
  • Health insurance costs;
  • Required retirement contributions;
  • Costs of daycare;
  • Uninsured healthcare expenses; and
  • Other applicable factors.

A child support court order can also require parents to share expenses involving:

  • Childcare services that allow each parent to go to work, obtain training, or schooling;
  • The child’s healthcare costs;
  • Traveling visitation costs from one parent’s home to the other;
  • The minor’s educational costs; and
  • Other special necessities.

Child Support Modifications in Los Angeles County

Even when a family court has finalized the child support, legal issues can arise that may require a child support modification. For instance, family circumstances could change such as a parent that has lost his or her job or a parent that has requested sole custody of the child.

Like a majority of court orders, making a modification to a child support order is not easy but it is possible. In order to make an adjustment, certain conditions must be met. The following are factors that could lead to a child support modification:

  • A significant change in income;
  • The loss of employment;
  • Imprisonment or institutionalization of more than 90 days;
  • One party has the responsibility to a new minor from another relationship, which could affect his or her financial situation;
  • Child custody changes, as the amount of time each party spends with the minor will affect support payments;
  • Any changes in the minor’s needs, which could result from a need to healthcare, childcare, or other educational requirements; and/or
  • Other factors used to calculate child support changes.

Any parent seeking to make a child support modification will need to demonstrate the changes in his or her circumstances. The following may provide evidence about the change in income that can be provided in a court hearing:

  • A pay stub from work;
  • An employment termination notice, such as a pink slip;
  • A photocopy of an unemployment check;
  • Recent copy of federal tax returns;
  • Witness testimony indicating there has been a significant change in the other party’s income.

Explore Your Legal Options With a Qualified Family Law Attorney Serving La Mirada

If you are seeking child support or are looking to make an adjustment to an existing order, it is important to seek the legal advice of a qualified family law attorney. Child support cases in California are multifaceted and can become very complicated. Seek the legal advice of an attorney who will defend your rights and interests in a family matter dispute. The attorneys at RM Law Group, LLP have many years of dedicated experience serving the City of La Mirada and surrounding communities. Whether you are a parent seeking child support or a parent ordered to make payments, the firm understands that child support cases can be stressful. The La Mirada family law attorneys at RM Law Group, LLP will work diligently to protect your rights. Contact the law firm for a free case evaluation.