Hermosa Beach Child Support Lawyer

Child Support Attorney in Hermosa Beach, CA

In California, both parents are responsible for sharing the financial burdens of raising children. In divorce, legal separation, or paternity cases, child support is a key issue that must be addressed. Coming to an agreement regarding child support can be difficult for families in Hermosa Beach, whether you live near South Park or off Ingleside Drive. Seeking help from an experienced Hermosa Beach child support lawyer can be beneficial.

Rombro & Manley LLP Is Here to Fight for You

For decades, the team at Rombro & Manley LLP has been assisting families in Hermosa Beach and beyond in managing the complexities of divorce, separation, and paternity actions. Whether you are the parent seeking child support payments or are being required to pay this support, you need a skilled family attorney who can help you reach an agreement that protects both your financial interests and the best interests of your children.

Factors Determining Child Support Calculations in Hermosa Beach

California saw a divorce rate of 5.88 per 1,000 women in 2022. In many of these cases, child support can become a topic of high contention between the divorcing couple. However, child support can also be a significant issue in legal separation, paternity actions, or other child custody cases. When parents cannot reach an agreement regarding support, they will need to look to the courts to make this decision for them. The courts will take several factors into account, including:

• Parents’ incomes. One of the most important factors in a child support case is the gross income of both parents, including salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, and rental income.
• Costs of childcare. If the custodial parent seeks higher education or job training, they may be eligible for additional child support to cover necessary daycare or childcare costs. California has some of the highest costs in the country, averaging between $10,000 and $20,000 per year, depending on the child’s age.
• Healthcare costs. Another factor that will be considered in a childcare case includes any health insurance premiums or medical costs for the child that are deemed to be extraordinary. This can be especially involved in cases where the child suffers from a disability or chronic health condition.
• Needs of the child. The court will likely aim to ensure that the standard of living the child has grown accustomed to remains consistent, within reason. They will consider factors such as the child’s education, special needs, and any extracurricular activities in which the child may be involved.
• Other children. If either involved parent has other children or other forms of support obligations from past relationships, the court will take these facts into account when calculating child support.
• Time spent. The courts will also consider the amount of time each parent spends with the child and any shared child visitation or custody arrangements that may impact the amount of support required.
• Tax considerations. The courts will also factor in any tax exemptions, credits, or deductions related to the child when calculating child support.

Modifying an Existing Child Support Order

One in five children in the United States lives in a home that receives child support payments. Often, modifications may be necessary if the child or either parent experiences certain life changes. These changes can include:

• Significant increases or decreases in income for either parent
• Significant changes in custody
• Changes in the healthcare needs of the child
• Increases costs related to the child’s education

While the modification process can prove challenging, an experienced child support lawyer can help you understand the legalities and help gather the documentation necessary to prove a qualifying change in circumstances.

FAQs About Hermosa Beach, CA Child Support Laws

Are There Penalties for Not Paying Court-Ordered Child Support?

Yes, there are several legal penalties that you can face for not paying court-ordered child support in California. First, you may find yourself facing monetary penalties and interest, being reported to the credit bureau, which could affect your credit score, dealing with bank levies, having an application for a passport denied, having your driver’s license suspended, or being found in contempt of court, which could lead to jail time.

How can I Enforce a Child Support Order in California?

There are several ways in which child support orders in California can be enforced. Through a court-ordered method, the individual responsible for paying support may have their wages garnished, have their assets seized, face liens placed against their property, or be found in contempt of court, which could lead to a variety of other penalties.

When Does Child Support End?

In California, child support typically ends when a child reaches the age of majority at 18 and graduates from high school or when the child becomes 19. Additionally, other situations can lead to child support ending, such as when a child becomes emancipated, when they join the military, or when they get married. If the child is disabled, these payments might continue indefinitely.

What is the Average Child Support Payment Per Month in California?

It is difficult to offer an exact number for the average amount of monthly child support payment in California. This is because every case is unique, and the factors the courts will consider in their calculation will vary. For this reason, among several others, it is important to speak with a child support attorney who can help give you an idea of how much support may be involved in your case.

Hire a Hermosa Beach Child Support Lawyer from Rombro & Manley LLP Today

If you are dealing with child support issues in Hermosa Beach, contact the experienced team at Rombro & Manley LLP. We have been helping individuals like you with all family law matters from our Manhattan Beach office for years and are ready to devote our time and attention to you and your children.

Contact our offices today to learn more information, schedule an initial consultation, and ultimately hire a child support lawyer who is here to serve you. Our legal team can help you explore your legal options.