Child support can be a stressful and emotional matter for both parents. Paying too much can leave the spouse financially strained. Receiving too little can create an unfair financial burden for the spouse who has primary responsibility for caring for the child.
If you are seeking child support or trying to challenge an existing order, having an experienced attorney can help you protect your rights. Diarian & Bociaga are here to help you get a fair result. Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more.
Why Choose Diarian & Bociaga to Handle My Valencia Child Support Case?
Child support disputes often involve more than just numbers. They are complex calculations that can have a significant impact on your finances and ability to take care of your child. You deserve an experienced Valencia child support lawyer who can help you advocate for a fair award.
Parents in Valencia, CA, choose our firm because we:
- Have substantial experience handling child support and California family law disputes
- Tailor our legal approach around your financial circumstances and goals as a parent
- Maintain close attorney-client communication from the beginning of the case through resolution
- Represent parents in support negotiations and contested litigation
- Push back aggressively when the other parent attempts to avoid fair financial responsibility
Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Valencia family law attorney. We’re here to help you navigate your child support case.
Why Hire an Attorney for My Child Support Case?
In California, child support may become an issue whenever parents separate, divorce, or share custody of a child. California law generally requires both parents to contribute financially to the child’s upbringing.
Even when parents generally agree on a support amount, disputes can arise regarding income calculations, childcare costs, and more.
An attorney can help by:
- Advising you on how California child support laws apply to your specific situation
- Analyzing pay records, tax returns, and other financial documentation
- Investigating whether the other parent is concealing or minimizing income
- Working to secure a support order that accurately reflects the parties’ finances and the child’s needs
- Handling the petitions, motions, and filings necessary to move your case forward
- Advocating for your interests during settlement discussions, mediation, and court proceedings
Having legal representation can help ensure the final support order accurately reflects the financial realities of the case.
How Is Child Support Calculated and What Does It Pay For?
California uses a statewide formula to calculate child support. Courts primarily examine:
- Each parent’s income
- Parenting time arrangements
- Healthcare costs
- Childcare expenses
- Certain tax considerations
Courts may deviate from the guidelines only in limited circumstances, depending on the child’s needs and the parents’ financial situation.
Child support is intended to help cover many expenses related to raising a child, including:
- Housing and utilities
- Food and clothing
- School-related expenses
- Medical care and insurance
- Childcare costs
- Transportation and daily living expenses
In some situations, parents may also share responsibility for extracurricular activities or other additional expenses.
What Happens if My Child’s Other Parent Doesn’t Pay?
Failure to pay court-ordered child support can lead to serious legal consequences, including contempt of court. A court may order that a parent’s wages be garnished or a tax refund be intercepted to cover child support arrears. A nonpaying parent may also face suspension of their driver’s licenses and/or professional licenses.
However, some parents fall behind because of legitimate changes in financial circumstances, such as job loss or medical issues. In those situations, seeking a child support modification may be necessary. But support obligations generally remain enforceable until officially modified by the court.
Contact an Experienced Child Support Attorney for Help
Child support disputes can affect both your financial future and your child’s quality of life. Having experienced legal counsel can help you pursue a fair support amount and protect your rights as a parent.
Diarian & Bociaga is here to help you get the right result. Contact our experienced Valencia child support lawyer today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.