In most divorces, both spouses will have to learn how to survive on less income. The resources used to support one family will now have to support two separate households. Both parents will also have to pay for child-related expenses, including the child's housing, food, clothing, education, activities and other necessities. Child support, which is paid by a non-custodial parent, is designed to provide for the continuing needs of your child (or children) after your divorce.
Whether you need an initial order for child support, help with child support enforcement, or modification of an existing child support order, our firm can help. We have been assisting parents in Calabasas, and the surrounding areas with child support and other divorce-related issues since 1974.
To discuss your child support questions with an experienced family lawyer, contact our law office. We strive to minimize the emotional and financial impact of a child support dispute, so that you can focus on your life after the divorce.
Accurately Calculating Child Support Payments
In a divorce or paternity action, the family court will first determine which parent will pay child support. It will then reference the California Child Support Guidelines to determine the exact amount of child support to be awarded. These statutory guidelines consider several factors, including: the number of children, each parent's income, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent.
Our firm uses DissoMasterTM, an advanced software system that calculates child support payments using the aforementioned guidelines. The main factors used in the calculation include the earnings or earning capacity of each parent and the child custody arrangements.
When the Child Support Guidelines Shouldn't Apply
In certain circumstances, it is possible to deviate from the amounts determined by DissoMasterTM with court approval. Examples of circumstances in which the court may approve more or less child support than called for by the guidelines include:
- A parent who is very wealthy may be required to pay more child support
- A parent who is legitimately unemployed or makes very little income may be able to pay less child support until his or her financial situation improves
- A child has a disability or health condition that makes it fair for one parent to pay more child support to meet the special needs of the child
Please contact the law office of David J. Crandall today to discuss your options for resolving a child support issue, modifying a child support order, or recovering unpaid child support payments.
Attorney David Crandall is a qualified mediator who provides family law mediation services for those parties who want to amicably resolve conflicts outside of court.
Follow this link for more information about the California Child Support Guidelines.
