Child Support Lawyers in Pasadena
At the Pasadena Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer, our family law attorneys help divorcing couples throughout Los Angeles County understand and implement child support awards that provide for the financial needs of their children without placing an unfair burden or unequal obligation on one of the parents alone. We represent clients in Pasadena, Alhambra, Arcadia, San Marino, Monrovia, Glendale, and La Canada, and throughout Southern California.
Child Support - A Mutual Obligation Between the Parents
Both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. When parents divorce, this obligation is usually fulfilled by having the non-custodial parent pay a monthly amount of child support to the parent with sole or primary custody. Such an award usually stays in effect until the child turns 18, unless the child marries or becomes emancipated before then. An award can last until the child turns 19 if he or she is still in high school. Also, an order of support could continue indefinitely in the case of a child who is disabled and incapable of becoming self-supporting. In any event, the parents can agree to continue a support order beyond any termination date that would be otherwise established by the court.
The monthly amount of child support is based on statutory guidelines that take into account the net disposable income of each parent and the amount of time each parent will spend with the child. These figures are plugged into a complicated formula which includes a variety of other factors, such as:
- Each parent's earning capacity
- Any other income each parent receives
- Number of children to be supported
- Each parent's tax filing status
- Support the children may receive from other relationships
- Daycare and uninsured health care costs
- Educational expenses
- Traveling costs for visitation
- Special needs of the child
- And many more
The parents can agree to a different support amount than one established by the guidelines, but the court must approve this deviation based on a finding that it would be in the child's best interests.
So Why Do I Need an Attorney?
Even though child support is determined according to a statutory formula and guidelines, there are many ways in which a knowledgeable and experienced attorney can make sure the child support amount is being determined correctly. Consider the basic determination of each spouse's net income. Were social security or pension payments properly included as income? If one spouse is self-employed, were all applicable earnings included and calculated appropriately? Were all the right deductions considered, including union dues, retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums?
The child support formula is a complicated matter, and many of the factors involved may not be fully disclosed or accurately computed without some measure of oversight from the other side of the table. Whether you are engaging in an amicable mediated settlement or trapped in a contested courtroom conflict, a knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney - like the ones at the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer - can make sure that you and your children are treated fairly regarding the determination of child support.
Contact the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer for professional advice and representation regarding an award of child support in your divorce, dissolution of domestic partnership, or legal separation.
