Child Support Overview

Child support is the court ordered financial obligation a parent has to pay for the care of his or her child. It is typically sought after the parents of the child have split up, or after a mother has legally established who the father his through a paternity test. An order for child support may also be issued if one parent is not allowed to visit their child due to a domestic violence restraining order.

In order to get what is in the best interest of your child, a child support attorney can help you understand the process and represent you in family court.

Once a parent is ordered to pay child support they are typically obligated to pay until the child reaches 18 years of age and is no longer in high school. If a child turns 18 while still in high school, the parent will be ordered to pay child support until the child reaches age 19. There are exceptions however.

If a child files for emancipation or gets married prior to turning 18, they are legally considered to be an adult and the parent’s legal obligation to pay child support usually ends. The only exception being if the child is also legally disabled and cannon support themselves. In these instances, the parent still might have to provide child support.

A parent could also voluntarily agree to continue paying child support even after a child is considered an adult. This is outlined in Family Code 3587.

Orange County child support is set by a predetermined formula that looks at specific circumstances of the parent’s and child (Family Code 40559(a).) You can click here for a better understanding of the factors that determine child support. The amount determined by the formula is known as the guideline amount. In almost every case, the guideline amount is what the parent will be obligated to pay each month for child support.

Child support can be a contentious issue, as it typically is connected to other common issues litigated by a Southern California family lawyer like child custody and spousal support. While there are mediators and family law facilitators that will help guide you through the process for free, they do not represent your exclusive interest. In other words, there goal is to reach a resolution rather than achieve the best possible financial outcome for you.

In addition, family law facilitators are extremely limited in the legal advice they can give. At best, they can instruct you as to which forms you need to fill out and how to fill them out. They will not give you other legal advice, they will not file any motions for you, and they will not represent you at any hearings.

If you want your best interests represented in family court, it is crucial to hire an aggressive child support attorney.