Irvine Child Support Lawyers Who Help You Put Your Children First
Child support is often an emotionally charged issue. It creates a financial tie between former spouses or partners who have otherwise separated their assets. It can also become an unwelcome reminder of unfairness for a parent unhappy with a custody agreement. At the end of the day, however, child support is a critical resource for kids. Therefore, it is important to put personal feelings aside and focus on their best interests.
Our child support lawyers at Klausner | Johnson LLP represent clients who expect to pay child support (the noncustodial parent) as well as clients who expect to receive it (the custodial parent). They will work diligently to ensure that court has the accurate and complete information necessary to determine a support amount that meets the needs of the children and is sustainable for both parents.
How Is Child Support Calculated In California?
In California, child support is determined using a specific formula that takes into account several important factors, including:
The net incomes of both parents: This formulation goes beyond base wages to include things like bonuses and commissions. If a parent has other sources of income, such as investments or rental property income, those will also be considered.
Number of children to be supported: How many minor children are in need of support?
Allocation of physical custody: How much time does each parent spend with the child or children? This is often referred to as “timeshare” or “custodial timeshare.” The more time a parent spends with the child, the less they may be required to pay in child support, as they are directly providing for the child’s needs during that time.
Additional child-related expenses: Other factors that can influence the child support amount include health care expenses, child care costs and any special needs of the child.
Other support obligations: The court may also consider existing financial obligations for other children from previous relationships.
If you believe that it is necessary to deviate from the calculated amount, our child support lawyers can help you petition the court and offer a compelling argument for your position.
Seeking Child Support Modifications
Life can change quickly, and sometimes those changes impact the financial needs of children or a parent’s ability to pay child support. In California, you can petition the court to modify child support payments when there has been a significant change in circumstances. This means that something important has happened that makes the current child support order unreasonable or unworkable.
You may seek a modification if:
- You have lost your job or have experienced a significant decrease in income
- The other parent has had a substantial increase in income
- Your child’s needs have changed, such as increased medical expenses or educational costs
- There has been a change in custody arrangements and the amount of time each parent spends with the child
The list above isn’t exhaustive, but it includes some of the most common reasons for seeking a change. It’s important to act quickly if you believe a modification is needed, as changes will only take effect from the date you file your request.
Our experienced child support lawyers will work with you to gather the necessary documentation and present a compelling case to the court. Conversely, if your co-parent is requesting a modification and you believe the change is not in your child’s best interests, our attorneys can assist you in seeking to have the petition denied.
Attorneys Passionately Advocating For Kids
Both of our child support lawyers are experienced in and passionate about all family law issues impacting children. Founding attorney Elizabeth Jablecki Johnson has previously served as acting counsel for the San Diego Department of Child Support Services. Co-founding attorney Andrew R. Klausner is a certified minor’s counsel, meaning he is an appointed representative protecting the best interests of children in child custody proceedings and related matters.
Contact Our Irvine Office To Discuss Your Legal Needs
Klausner | Johnson LLP serves clients in Orange County and surrounding areas of California, including Los Angeles County, San Diego County and San Bernardino County. To learn more about how our dedicated child support attorneys can assist you, call 949-868-3675 or submit an online contact form.