Placer County Attorneys Handle California Child Support Matters
Roseville firm represents parents in negotiations and court proceedings
Disagreements over child support obligations can cause problems during and after a divorce. Located in Roseville, Patrick Law Corp advises Northern California clients on a full range of child support concerns, including the establishment of initial rates, modification requests and enforcement proceedings. Our experienced attorneys represent both paying and recipient parents throughout the Sacramento Valley and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re concerned about incorrect information being submitted to the court, seeking a change in the rate or are involved in a dispute over an allegedly missed payment, we can help.
Information considered within California’s child support formula
Reaching a fair child support resolution can be a complicated process after a divorce or separation. Some of the information that is considered within the state’s formula is:
- Parental income — California examines the income of both parents when setting child support rates. It’s important to remember that income includes more than wages earned at work, but also returns on investments and unemployment benefits.
- Time-sharing — Families have many different ways of dividing custody responsibilities and the child support formula reflects how many nights a son or daughter spends with each parent. However, even if there is an equal split, one party could be required to send child support to the other because he or she has more income.
- Medical support — As part of the overall parental obligation, an order will be issued for medical support, which typically takes the form of health insurance coverage. Regardless of the residency arrangements, a child can be covered under either parent’s plan and frequently the other parent will contribute to the premium costs.
- Child-care expenses — Working parents often spend a significant portion of their income on child-care costs. Accordingly, these payments are considered within the state’s formula.
Even beyond the factors set forth in the California calculator, specific family circumstances might warrant further negotiation between parents. By taking a personalized approach to child support discussions, we help make adjustments for additional costs that parents might have to cover, such as funding for education or extracurricular activities.
Lawyers advise on situations where support terms might be modified
A paying or recipient parent can request a modification of child support terms if an income change or some other event would significantly alter the child support rate under the state’s formula. Generally, modifications are accepted if re-evaluating the relevant factors would alter the child support amount by 20 percent or $50 per month, whichever is lower. If you believe that a job loss, promotion, new custody arrangement or a different factor would suffice, we’ll prepare a motion to modify the child support order. Our family attorneys also handles matters on behalf of clients who believe a requested modification is not warranted.
Effective advocates take on child support enforcement actions
Failure to make required child support payments could result in serious consequences. Whether you haven’t received the payment you’re entitled to or are being accused of violating a child support order, it’s important to take prompt action. Regardless of the circumstances, a party cannot adjust an obligation without court authorization. This is true even if a paying party has lost their job or believes their co-parent is violating other aspects of the divorce order. If enforcement of an existing obligation is necessary, we seek relief from the court, which can include the placement of a lien on a paying parent’s bank account or home, the suspension of a driver’s license and possibly even a contempt charge.
Contact a proven California child support lawyer to set up a free consultation
Patrick Law Corp in Roseville works on behalf of Northern California parents in a full range of child support proceedings, including modification and enforcement matters. Please call 916-226-6062 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
