Child Support Attorney

When it comes to securing a stable financial future for your children, child support is a critical factor. At Inglis Family Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping parents in Santa Clarita and surrounding areas establish, modify, and enforce fair child support arrangements that reflect the child’s best interest and provide for their ongoing needs. Whether you seek support for the first time, need a modification due to changes in circumstances, or require assistance enforcing a court order, our firm offers compassionate, experienced representation focused on achieving reliable solutions.

Understanding Child Support in California

In California, child support is a financial obligation designed to ensure that both parents contribute to the upbringing and well-being of their children, regardless of custody arrangements. Child support payments cover housing, food, medical care, education, and extracurricular activities. California uses a standardized formula to calculate child support, taking into account factors like:

Income of Both Parents: Both parents’ income levels are considered, along with other income sources, bonuses, and investments.
Time Spent with the Child: The amount of time each parent spends with the child affects the support calculation, with primary custodial parents typically receiving support from the non-custodial parent.
Health Insurance and Other Expenses: Additional costs such as health insurance, daycare, and educational needs may be included to create a fair support arrangement.

Our team works closely with clients to ensure that the calculation reflects all relevant financial factors, advocating for an arrangement that provides for the child’s needs while respecting each parent’s financial capacity.

Establishing a Child Support Order

If you’re going through a divorce or are an unmarried parent seeking to establish support, setting up an official child support order is essential. A court-issued support order ensures that payments are legally binding and enforceable. Here’s how we assist clients through the process:

Initial Consultation and Financial Assessment: We begin with a comprehensive review of your financial situation, including income, expenses, and other relevant details. This allows us to guide the likely support amount based on California’s formula.
Document Preparation and Filing: Our team assists in preparing the necessary documents, such as income declarations and expense reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with court requirements.
Court Representation: During the child support hearing, we represent your interests, advocating for a fair calculation that reflects your financial position and your child’s needs. We ensure that the court receives a clear, accurate picture of all pertinent financial factors.

For parents that prefer to reach an agreement outside of court, we also offer mediation support to help establish a mutually agreed-upon support arrangement that can be submitted to the court for approval.

Modifying a Child Support Order

Over time, financial changes or personal circumstances may require adjustments to a child support order. Common reasons for modification include:

Changes in Income: A substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s income may prompt the need for a revised support amount.
Custody and Visitation Adjustments: Changes in custody arrangements, such as increased time spent with one parent, may affect the support calculation.
Health and Educational Expenses: If a child’s needs change, such as requiring special medical treatment or additional educational support, a modification may be necessary to account for the additional costs.

At Inglis Family Law Firm, we help clients seek modifications by presenting updated financial information and working through the legal process to ensure the revised order reflects the child’s current needs and each parent’s financial capabilities. If you believe your child support order requires adjustment, we provide experienced representation to secure a fair modification that keeps pace with life’s changes.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

When a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, it can create financial strain and impact a child’s quality of life. Enforcement of a child support order is essential to ensure your child’s needs are met consistently. Our firm assists clients with a range of enforcement actions, including:

Wage Garnishment: We can seek court assistance to garnish the delinquent parent’s wages to recover unpaid child support.

Contempt of Court Actions: In severe cases, non-compliance with a child support order can lead to contempt of court proceedings, which may result in penalties and other legal consequences for the non-paying parent.

Our priority is to ensure your child receives the support they are entitled to, and we are committed to helping you take swift, effective action to enforce child support orders when necessary.

Why Work with Inglis Family Law Firm?

At Inglis Family Law Firm, we bring over 15 years of experience in California family law, combined with a deep commitment to protecting our clients’ interests and their children’s well-being. Here’s what makes our approach to child support services unique:

Experienced, Personalized Guidance: We take time to understand your individual circumstances and financial situation, providing personalized support to help you reach a fair and workable child support arrangement.

Efficient, Results-Focused Representation: Child support matters often involve sensitive financial information and can impact your child’s life. Our team works efficiently to protect your rights and secure a reliable outcome, whether you’re establishing, modifying, or enforcing a support order.

Clear, Compassionate Communication: We understand the challenges of navigating family law matters, and we prioritize clear communication, keeping you informed at each stage of the process. Our goal is to provide peace of mind by offering straightforward, compassionate support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support

Here are some common questions parents have about child support:

Can we agree on a different amount outside of the court’s calculation?

Yes, parents can agree on a different support amount, as long as it meets the child’s needs and is approved by the court. Our team can help you reach a mutually agreed arrangement that the court will recognize as legally binding.

What if the other parent doesn’t disclose all income sources?

California law requires both parents to provide accurate financial disclosures. We help clients gather and present all necessary financial information, including documentation of hidden or additional income, to ensure a fair support calculation.

How long does child support last?

In California, child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or, if they are still in high school, until they turn 19. Support may also extend under certain circumstances, such as if the child has special needs.

Contact Inglis Family Law Firm Today

Whether you’re initiating child support, seeking modifications, or addressing enforcement issues, Inglis Family Law Firm is here to provide the dedicated, experienced representation you need. Let us help you secure a child support arrangement that supports your child’s well-being and respects your financial situation.

Reach Out for a Consultation

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your child support needs. At Inglis Family Law Firm, we are committed to helping you achieve a fair, dependable child support arrangement that fosters a bright future for your family.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Contact Info

(661)-200-3845

25129 The Old Road, Suite 201

Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381