Help With Child Support in California
When parents divorce or unmarried parents separate, both parents remain responsible for the care and well-being of minor children. One parent must often provide child support payments to the other to help pay for the child’s needs.
In California, child support is determined by statutory guidelines that take into account factors such as the number of children, the income of each parent and the needs of the child.
Child Support Is More Than A Formula
While the process of establishing child support orders is often straightforward, there are situations that can make it decidedly more complex. For instance, if one parent is self-employed, unemployed, underemployed or hiding income, it may require investigative tactics to uncover the facts.
Whatever your situation, the attorneys at Sherlock // Anderson, PC, are here to protect your rights and guide you through the child support process. We are committed to protecting our clients’ parental rights and the best interests of their children.
Knowledgeable In All Facets Of Child Support Law
Our attorneys can represent you in any child support-related matter, including:
- Child support modifications (seeking a modification of orders or trying to stop one that will adversely affect your child)
- Enforcement actions
- Addressing child support arrears
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support In California
Navigating child-related family law issues in California is as confusing as it is overwhelming, and it is natural to face many concerns. Below, our lawyers speak to some of the most common questions that arise when dealing with child support matters.
Does a parent have to pay child support if custody is 50/50 in California?
It is possible. A parent may still owe child support even when parenting time is equal. California’s guideline formula evaluates each parent’s income, allowable deductions and the percentage of time the child spends in each home. This can result in support obligations when one parent earns more or covers more daily expenses. State courts focus on helping ensure the child maintains a consistent standard of living in both households.
How long does child support last in California?
Support usually continues until a child turns 18 or until 19 if the child is a full‑time high school student living with a parent. It may end earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated, marries or passes away. When a child has a significant disability that prevents self‑support, courts may extend a parent’s support obligations into adulthood to help ensure ongoing care.
What happens if a parent refuses to pay child support in California?
In California, family courts rely on multiple enforcement tools when a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support. Some of the available enforcement measures include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension and passport denial. Potential contempt proceedings for willful nonpayment is another possibility. Further, interest may accrue on unpaid child support, and enforcement attempts will continue until all past‑due amounts are fully satisfied.
What factors determine child support amounts in California?
California applies an income‑shares model that accounts for both parents’ incomes, the percentage of parenting time and the child’s financial needs. The guideline formula also considers health insurance costs, childcare expenses related to work or education, and mandatory add‑ons such as uninsured medical costs. Courts may also allow child support modification when a substantial change in circumstances occurs, including loss of employment, an increase in income or a shift in custody.
Our Lawyers Are Here To Help
When a legal matter affects your child, the stakes are enormous. We understand and we can help. To learn more or to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced child support attorney, please contact us online or by telephone at 916-757-6630.
With law offices in Roseville, we handle child support issues and other family law matters for clients throughout the Sacramento area.