Redondo Beach Child Support Lawyer

Child Support Attorney in Redondo Beach, CA

Raising a child is expensive for every family. When there is only one parent in the household, the expenses add up quickly and could be more difficult to cover. Child support payments can ease this burden while providing stability and opportunities for the child. If you are interested in establishing child support payments or want to alter an existing arrangement, you could use the help of a Redondo Beach child support lawyer.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer

If you need to establish a child support order, modify an existing order, petition for child support enforcement, or collect past due child support, you need to hire a child support lawyer familiar with the family law system in California. Rombro & Manley LLP is your trusted law firm for all family law matters. Our Board-Certified Family Law Specialists can help you with child support issues and any future problems that may arise.

Child Support in the United States

According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2022, a total of 22.2 million children in the United States met the eligibility criteria for child support. That equals 27.1% of all children under the age of 21. Of the 13.9 million parents who were eligible for child support payments, roughly one-fourth did not receive a single payment during 2022. These non-payments affected roughly 3.5 million households.

In Redondo Beach, there are 68,087 residents, according to the 2024 census information. Of these residents, roughly 23% are under the age of 18. During the same year, 9% of male residents and 13% of female residents were currently divorced.

If you live in Redondo Beach and need to file with the court to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, your case should be heard at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Your case could be filed at the Torrance Courthouse, located in the South Bay.

Child Support Calculations in California

As of 2025, California has made adjustments to how child support payments are determined to more accurately reflect the realities of raising children. The easiest way to accurately predict your child support obligation is to contact a Redondo Beach child support attorney and provide details of your financial situation. Current child support guidelines consider:

• The incomes of both parents
• How each parent files their taxes
• The parenting time of each parent
• Other financial factors

Consequences of Non-Payment of Child Support

When a child support agreement is created and filed with the court, child support laws allow for criminal and civil consequences for non-payment. Failure to pay can be treated as a criminal matter and result in severe consequences. If the parent who fails to pay lives in another state or travels across state lines, the matter could become a federal case. However, non-payment is often treated as a civil matter. Consequences could include:

• Garnishing wages
• Redirecting tax return payments
• Seizing personal injury settlements
• Suspending their driver’s license
• Suspending professional licenses
• Suspending hunting and fishing licenses
• Placing a lien on homes, businesses, or other properties
• Freezing bank accounts
• Restricting international travel

Benefits of a Child Support Lawyer

Hiring a child support lawyer may seem like an unnecessary expense, especially if you are expecting to pay child support, but there are many benefits to having experienced representation, including:

• Accurate child support calculations
• Legal knowledge of local, state, and federal requirements
• Help with enforcing or modifying established orders
• Training to handle complex issues
• Representation in court

FAQs About Redondo Beach, CA Child Support Laws

How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost in California?

The cost of a child support lawyer in California varies. More complex or contested cases often cost more than uncontested cases. Most family law lawyers charge an hourly rate and require a paid retainer before beginning work on the case. Form preparation and document review services are often charged a flat fee and can be a more cost-effective approach for simple cases.

What Should You Avoid Doing During a Child Support Case?

When establishing child support, several behaviors should be avoided. Inaccurately reporting your income or trying to hide assets can create problems in the courtroom. Judges can also set child support payments based on your earning potential, so voluntarily quitting a job to avoid payments can easily cause problems. Violating a court order or preventing the child’s other parent from exercising their parental time also looks bad in court.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File for Child Support?

No, there is no legal requirement to have a lawyer when filing for child support, but there are some benefits to having your own representation. For complex cases, your lawyer can check for hidden assets and help draft an agreement that is fair for both parents. If there are issues such as contested paternity or domestic violence, a lawyer can work on your behalf to minimize your interactions with the other parent.

With 50/50 Custody, Is Child Support Still Necessary?

It could still be necessary to establish a child support order if you and your child’s other parent share 50/50 custody. Child support orders are not solely based on parenting time. If one parent’s income is drastically different from the other’s, the court could order child support so that the child has the same standard of living in both households.

Can a Parent Be Criminally Charged for Failing to Pay Child Support?

Yes, a parent can be criminally charged for failing to pay child support. In California, the willful failure to pay child support is considered a failure to provide, which is a criminal offense. A parent could face a fine, incarceration, or both. You could also be held in contempt of court for disobeying a court order, which can also end with a jail sentence.

Contact a Redondo Beach Child Support Attorney Rombro & Manley LLP

Our team has over 65 years of combined experience in handling family law matters throughout California. Our practice is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex requirements of family law cases. When you allow us to represent your family, you can rest easy knowing your case is being handled by the same experienced team and not a rotation of new hires. Contact Rombro & Manley LLP today to set up an initial consultation.