Most people think of child support as a monthly payment made by one custodial parent to the other, but it’s much more than that. Orange County child support is an essential tool that helps children receive the financial resources they need to thrive. Because children are not in a financially independent position, and one parent may earn significantly more money than the other, child support is used to help equalize the financial playing field.
In California, child custody arrangements and support are typically calculated using a formula that considers both parents’ income, how much physical time both parents spend with the child, and the number of children involved. The court will also consider the child’s needs when determining child support. During this process, contention and conflict are not uncommon. If you are involved in a child support dispute or are simply seeking to establish a child support order for the first time, it is important to have an experienced Yorba Linda child support attorney on your side.
At The Dorie A. Rogers, we have years of experience handling child support cases in Orange County. We understand the legal complexities and know how to advocate for our clients’ interests effectively. We will work to the finish and help you reach a fair and just child support arrangement. We are always standing by to connect and share our knowledge with you.
Yorba Linda Practice Areas
How Does a Child Support Order Contribute to Children’s Well-Being?
Here are three ways California child support contributes to children’s well-being:
- Child support provides essential financial resources.
Children need food, shelter, clothes, and other essentials. In many cases, one parent may shoulder the majority of the financial responsibility for these items. Child support can provide some relief by ensuring that both parents are contributing financially to their children’s needs and that a child’s physical location does not dictate the level of financial support they receive. - Child support helps ensure children have access to quality healthcare.
Quality healthcare is important for all children, but it can be difficult to afford without adequate financial resources. In the United States, medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy. Child support can help provide the resources needed to ensure that children have access to quality healthcare without putting an undue financial burden on one parent. - Child support can provide stability during difficult times.
Divorce, separation, and other family changes can be difficult for everyone involved. During these times, it is important for children to maintain as much stability in their lives as possible. When parents pay child support, it can help provide some of that stability by ensuring that children have access to the resources they need, even if their parents’ relationship is changing.
What Conflicts Can Arise Regarding Child Support?
There are a number of potential conflict points that can arise during the child support process. Some common examples include:
- Disagreements about the amount of child support to be paid
- Disagreements about how child support payments will be made
- Disagreements about how child support payments will be used
- Disagreements about whether one parent should receive credit for making voluntary child support payments
It’s normal for parents to feel some level of stress and anxiety when navigating these disagreements. However, it’s important to remember that conflict is not always necessary and that many child support disputes can be resolved through negotiation and cooperation. If you are unable to reach an agreement with the other parent, however, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a mediator or child support lawyer.
Child Support Lawyers FAQs
Q: Can Child Support be Negotiated in California?
A: Child support in California is typically calculated using a statewide formula. However, there may be some room for open negotiation in cases where the parents have a high level of income or significant assets. The only way to validate this possibility is to speak with an experienced Orange County child support lawyer.
Q: How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost in California?
A: The cost of a child support lawyer in California will vary depending on the specific case. Factors that can affect the cost include the complexity of the child support case, the number of children involved, and the income of the parents.
Q: Can Parents Agree to No Child Support in California?
A: In general, no. Child support is typically mandatory in California unless both parents agree to waive it and a judge approves the agreement. However, exceptions are made when both parents have high incomes and can demonstrate that their children will not suffer financially due to the waiver.
Q: Does Child Support Increase if Salary Increases in California?
A: Child support payments may increase if the paying parent’s income goes up. However, there are limits to how often and how much child support payments can be increased. Typically, a judge will only approve an increase if there has been a significant change in a child’s needs. For example, if a child is diagnosed with a medical condition that requires expensive treatment, the paying parent’s child support payments may be increased to help cover the cost of care. Generally, any changes to child support payments must be approved by a judge and will be based solely on the child’s best interest.
Contact the Dorie A. Rogers Today
If you are going through a California divorce or other family change and need help with child support, the Dorie A. Rogers can help. We appreciate how the child support program in California can be confusing and are here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. It’s a significant financial obligation, and we want to ensure you make the best decisions for your family so that everyone can thrive despite the change. We are on a mission to provide affordable, accessible, and client-centered legal services to individuals and families across California. Reach out to us today to schedule your consultation and see how we can help.
At The Dorie A. Rogers
APC, we represent clients both initiating and defending against child support actions. Our Irvine child support attorneys counsel and advocate for clients in issues related to initial calculation, failure to pay, modifications and enforcement of existing child support orders.
Backed by more than 30 years of experience and extensive qualifications, we are committed to protecting the rights and interests of clients dealing with even the most complex child support matters, including cases involving parties with considerable wealth.
Contact us to schedule a consultation. We serve clients throughout Orange County and Riverside County, California.
“Dorie is a very powerful attorney and a great asset to have on your side in any family legal matter. She is extremely bright and insightful, and I got everything I asked for in my lawsuit.”
“I would strongly recommend Ms. Dorie Rogers for any legal needs. During my Divorce proceedings, Dorie’s professionalism, expertise in Divorce Law and legal skill helped bring my case to a close in both a timely and mutually agreeable manner.Additionally, Dorie took the time to understand me and my background to better represent me in my case. She showed a level of caring and concern that helped me through a very difficult time. She is an outstanding lawyer and wonderful person.”
“Second to none – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dorie to anyone. She was my attorney for my divorce and custody case. She will do everything it takes to get the job done and all with a smile on her face. Her knowledge and expertise will assist anyone in a family law situation get the results they want.”
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