Riverside Child Support Attorney

Your Guide to the Child Support Process in California

Parents who are no longer together are responsible for financially supporting their child. While child support in California is based on a guideline, there are a variety of factors that go into this guideline calculation, including paternity. The information that goes into the support guideline can be disputed. We will leave no stone unturned to make sure, whether you are paying or receiving support, that the most just amount is calculated. During contentious times when children and finances are involved, our expert Riverside child support lawyers help minimize the stressful impact it has on you and your family.

How is Child Support Determined?

The purpose of child support is to provide for a child’s basic living expenses, including food, shelter, and clothing. Child support may also help pay for medical care, travel costs, and education costs in some cases. When a Riverside family court makes a child support determination, they will assess the income of each parent and evaluate their custody arrangement to determine the financial responsibility of each parent.

When one parent has broader custody rights than the other, they become the custodial parent, and the noncustodial parent will pay child support to them on a regular basis. The court generally strives to ensure that both parents contribute equally to financially supporting their children.

It is vital for all divorcing parents to remember that child support amounts can change for many reasons throughout the term of a custody agreement. Child support typically does not end until a child turns 18 years old, dies, or is legally emancipated. However, the amount the noncustodial parent pays to the custodial parent may increase or decrease for a number of reasons throughout the term of the parent’s custody and support agreement.

Can a Child Support Lawyer Help Reduce Child Support?

It’s not uncommon for noncustodial parents to believe their child support payments are imbalanced or unfair. Additionally, some parents paying child support will encounter unexpected issues that influence their ability to pay. If you believe you need to reduce your child support obligation, it’s a good idea to hire a Riverside child support lawyer to assist you. Your attorney can guide you through the modification process, a unique facet of family law that allows an individual to alter their family court order under certain conditions.

If you can make a compelling case as to why you need your support obligation reduced, the court may grant your request. While you technically do not need a lawyer for this process, hiring an experienced Riverside family law attorney will significantly increase your chances of success and streamline the process significantly.

How Much Do Child Support Attorneys Charge for Child Support Cases?

The majority of family law attorneys working in California charge their services by the hour. This means that the longer an attorney must spend working on a case, the more expensive their services will be at the end of the case. If you are concerned about the cost of your legal representation in a child support case, ask your attorney how they bill their services and how long they expect your case to require. This should give you an idea of the price range you can expect for the attorney’s services.

Should I Hire a Riverside Child Custody Lawyer for Child Support Modification?

If you intend to file a petition for modification of your child support order, it’s best to have an experienced Riverside child support attorney on your side as you initiate this process. Your attorney can help you craft a more compelling petition that increases the chances of securing the changes to your child support order that you seek.

In the event you must file a child support modification due to losing your job, developing a medical condition or disability that interferes with your ability to work, or if you believe your support obligation is unfair, an attorney can review the details of your situation and determine whether you have a significant chance of success with your petition. Once filed with the court, the court sets a hearing date for both parents to speak on the issue before deciding as to whether a modification is reasonable and necessary for the situation. Ultimately, hiring an attorney to help you with your child support modification is an investment in peace of mind that increases the chances of your success.

Can You Sue for Child Support Years Later?

In the event you are a custodial parent and your child’s other parent has owed you child support they have not paid, you do have legal options for securing arrearages on the child support funds owed to you. However, California state law limits back child support to three years. If you are a custodial parent receiving child support payments from a noncustodial parent and they stop sending you payments, call our firm. It’s vital to take immediate legal action to secure the child support funds you need. An experienced Riverside child support attorney is the best asset you can have in this situation.

Penalties for Nonpayment of Child Support

When a noncustodial parent fails or refuses to pay child support as required by their child support agreement, the custodial parent can take several legal actions against them. They may petition the Riverside family court for a judgment against the noncustodial parent that would require them to pay owed support plus interest, or they may file contempt proceedings against the paying parent. In the event the noncustodial parent cannot meet their support obligation due to forces entirely beyond their control, they must notify the court immediately to avoid serious legal repercussions.

When a parent has consistently refused to pay support for an extended period, they will need to repay what they owe plus penalty assessments, including interest and, in some cases, attorneys’ fees to the custodial parent. They may also face wage garnishment. The court will contact the paying parent’s employer to ensure that a portion of every paycheck is automatically deducted and paid to the custodial parent. If you are required to pay child support, it is vital that you make your payments as required by the terms of your support agreement. Failing to do so can lead to severe legal consequences, including financial penalties and even jail time in some cases.

Contact Our Child Support Lawyers to Learn More

Our Riverside family law attorney can help with all areas of child support. Call us at 951-888-0631. You may also contact us online and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible. From our offices in Riverside, we provide legal counsel to people throughout Southern California.