Orange County Child Support Lawyer

Orange County Child Support Attorney

Orange County has a diverse range of families. From the working families of Santa Ana to the high-net-worth households in Dana Point, no two families have the same needs. At AKPC Law, our Orange County child support lawyer can tailor strategies to fit your needs, whether that is maximizing support or managing disputes.

How Is Child Support Decided?

Child support cases differ from other family law issues, like custody or visitation. Unlike those matters, which have the option to be resolved through negotiation or mediation outside the Orange County Superior Court, child support decisions need to be approved by a judge.

However, parents will still have a voice, and their legal teams can present arguments and facts to the court, which may sway the judge’s decision.

Child support payments are essential for providing children with the basic necessities of life and ensuring a suitable standard of living. Even if both parents agree on an amount, a judge’s oversight is required because:

• A court order protects parents and children by requiring consistent payments and providing legal protections if any are missed.
• The payment amount must align with California’s child support guidelines so it is sufficient for the children’s needs.

How Child Support Is Calculated in California

With a median household income of $113,702 in Orange County, the average child support payment in the state will be between $400 and $500 per child. However, the actual amount for each family is calculated using statewide guidelines, as outlined in California Family Code §4055. While family courts typically adhere to the guidelines, they can adjust or change their approach if a child’s needs or a parent’s financial situation require it.

Some of the factors that might influence child support payments include:

• Aspects of the parenting plans
• The child’s special needs or medical expenses
• Both parents’ job skills
• The health status of either the parents or the child
• Criminal background of either parent
• Local earning potential
• Retirement withholdings

In Orange County, detailed rules determine child support payments. Many parents disagree over the amount that should be provided to care for a child. A court can finalize the amount of child support, but circumstances often change that require modifications to this amount post-divorce. If you need help with protecting your child’s rightful support payments or modifying an existing order, an attorney can gather information to build a compelling case.

Can Child Support Arrangements Be Modified in California?

California courts understand that circumstances can change, so a child support arrangement can as well. Either parent can petition the court to modify an order. The most common situations that warrant a child support modification are:

• A parent has a change in income or employment, either from losing a job or experiencing a pay raise or cut.
• Either parent has another child.
• The amount of time the child spends with either parent has changed.
• The child’s needs changed, such as childcare, educational, or medical changes.

When modifying an existing order, you will need to provide documentation of changed circumstances, such as pay stubs, income tax returns, or updated records.

An experienced Orange County child support attorney can explain the modification process and how to work through it. Our office can provide legal advice and representation to make sure the revised terms accurately reflect your financial situation in Orange County.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer at AKPC Law for Your Child Support Needs

Child support establishment and modifications can be emotionally draining and complex. You do not need to face these processes alone. Contact Arman Khoshnood at AKPC Law today for a personalized consultation. When you hire a child support lawyer, they can make sure your child’s financial future is secure while still protecting your rights.