Child Support Services in San Fernando Valley

Protecting Your Child’s Financial Future in Northridge & Century City

The family law attorneys of Joel S. Seidel & Associates have extensive experience in handling child support matters for parents throughout Northridge, Century City, Los Angeles, and Ventura. We can help ensure that all income is accounted for and that all of the relevant needs related to the care of a child are considered for the purpose of determining support. Additionally, our team of San Fernando Valley child support attorneys helps parents who are seeking the modification or enforcement of support orders.

Contact Us Today for Assistance with Your Child Support Needs!

How Is Child Support Calculated in California?

The determination of child support is not just about comparing and computing incomes, it is a highly regulated aspect of family law that takes into consideration several factors. In California, public policy sets forth a child support guideline and mathematical formula that courts must use to calculate child support.

The guideline formula is legally presumed to be correct, and special circumstances must exist in order for the court to deviate from the guideline amount. In these matters, the trial court only has the discretion provided by statute or case law.

Key Factors in Child Support Calculations

How much the parents earn or have the capacity to earn
Any other income each parent receives
The number of children involved
The amount of time each parent spends with the child
The child's health care expenses and the cost of insurance
The cost of the child's educational needs
Any special needs the child may have
The cost of child care that allows a parent to work or obtain job training

What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?

Child support generally takes the form of periodic payments made to a custodial parent from a non-custodial parent to help compensate for a child's basic living expenses, such as food, clothing, housing and other costs related to the child's well-being.

When Does Child Support Conclude in California?

In California, child support stops once the child reaches the age of 18 or has graduated high school. If the child is still in high school full-time, and still lives with the custodial parent, then the child support will continue until he or she graduates or turns 19.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities in Child Support

Child support can often feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial to understand both your rights and responsibilities. Whether you are the custodial parent expecting support or the non-custodial parent providing it, knowing the specifics can help you navigate this important aspect of family law.

Here are some key points to consider:

Modification of Support Payments: Life circumstances can change, and so can your child support obligations. If there are significant changes in income, employment status, or the needs of the child, you may be able to petition for a modification of the existing support agreement.
Enforcement of Support Orders: If you're not receiving the child support to which you are entitled, there are legal measures available to enforce the support order, including wage garnishments and liens on property.
Impact on Taxes: Understanding how child support interacts with tax obligations is vital. Importantly, child support payments are not considered taxable income for the receiving parent, nor can they be deducted by the paying parent.
What to Do If You're Facing Non-Payment: If you're encountering issues with consistent non-payment, it's essential to seek legal advice promptly to explore your options for enforcement and to ensure your child's financial needs are met.

By being well-informed about these aspects of child support, you can better advocate for your child's needs and ensure a more stable financial future for your family. Our team at Joel S. Seidel & Associates is here to support you every step of the way, providing personalized guidance based on your unique situation.

Child Support Obligations with 50/50 Custody Arrangements

Yes, you will still need to pay child support as long as the child is under the age of 18 and hasn't graduated high school. When you think about paying child support, the custody time and income are highly regarded as the two primary factors. Since custody in 50/50 cases is irrelevant, the court will analyze the earning potentials of each parent. The primary purpose if this is to ensure that the child is well taken care of and has plenty of money to support them.

Beyond Simple Calculations: The Complexity of Child Support

While the child support calculations may appear to be a fairly simple exercise of plugging numbers into a formula, the reality is that determining the correct figures to use is often a very complex, nuanced procedure that requires the participation of experts, such as forensic accountants and vocational experts.

With important financial determinations at stake, it is important to have a skilled legal counsel like Joel S. Seidel & Associates every step of the way. Our family lawyers in San Fernando Valley have handled hundreds of child support cases of varying complexity, involving a wide range of child support situations. However simple or complex your child support situation may be, we can help.

Why Choose Joel S. Seidel & Associates for Your San Fernando Child Support Needs?

Choosing the right legal representation for child support matters is crucial in ensuring the best outcomes for you and your child. At Joel S. Seidel & Associates, we pride ourselves on our personalized approach and our commitment to advocating for your family's financial well-being.

Here’s why you should consider us:

Experienced Attorneys: Our team has extensive experience in California family law, particularly in child support cases, which allows us to navigate the complexities of the legal system efficiently.
Customized Strategies: We understand that every family situation is unique. We take the time to understand your specific circumstances to develop a tailored strategy that meets your needs.
Comprehensive Resources: Our firm provides a wealth of resources, including access to financial experts and child welfare specialists, to ensure a holistic approach to your case.
Successful Track Record: We have successfully represented numerous clients in child support matters, helping them achieve favorable outcomes that ensure financial stability for both parents and children.
Continuous Communication: We believe in keeping our clients informed every step of the way. Our team will regularly update you on the progress of your case and will be readily available to answer any questions.

Your child's financial security is our top priority. With our expertise and dedication, you can feel confident knowing that your child support matter is in capable hands.

Our offices are located in Century City and Northridge. To arrange an initial consultation with one of our child support attorneys in the San Fernando Valley, please contact us online or call (818) 435-3773.