All parents have a financial obligation to support their children. If you are in the process of filing for divorce, the quality of your life and your child’s life will be strongly influenced by the court’s decision regarding child support payments. With 40 years of experience, our Los Angeles child support attorneys have made appearances in thousands of cases. We know the courts, and the courts know us. We are well equipped to advise you about a wide range of support-related matters.
Our firm can assist you with child support matters such as:
- Fighting for Child Support
- Modifying Child Support
- Enforcing Child Support
CALCULATING COLLEGE EXPENSES & CHILD SUPPORT IN CALIFORNIA
The ability to pay for children’s college education is an important consideration for many divorcing parents. Tuition and other costs have spiraled upward over the past few decades and the prospect of handling these bills can be even more imposing once divorce creates two separate households.
Some divorcing parents hold misconceptions and make mistaken assumptions that college expenses must be shared. In California, there is no law specifically addressing either custodial or noncustodial parents’ responsibilities in this area. The costs of college or university education are simply not addressed in child support laws or calculations.
You should consider retaining a Los Angeles child support lawyer for the following reasons:
- Our firm is dedicated to helping you project future expenses and envision life after divorce.
- Having an attorney who is a skilled financial analyst and resourceful negotiator may enable you to reach a settlement that covers college expenses such as the cost of tuition.
- We also provide a full range of estate planning services and can direct you to qualified financial services experts for help establishing a strategy for covering college expenses.
HOW DO DAY CARE COSTS GET FACTORED INTO CHILD SUPPORT?
In most divorces involving young children, daycare costs are included as an “add-on” within the child support order—as are the costs of health insurance and medical care. A basic guideline is that the costs of child care required for the primary custodial parent to work full-time are to be shared equally, but many factors can enter into the issuance of this order. Ensuring that you receive everything you are entitled to—or that the child support you are ordered to pay is not excessive—could very well depend on the knowledge of your divorce lawyer.
Disputes may arise over issues such as the following:
- Payment of a nanny or other care provider who may perform other services in addition to day care, such as housekeeping or after-hours services
- The desire of a parent who currently stays at home with a young child to continue doing so, necessitating additional child or spousal support due to a lack of employment income
HANDLING CHILD SUPPORT CASES INVOLVING HIGH-WAGE EARNERS
In 1992, the California legislature adopted a formula to calculate child support that is based on the incomes of both parents and amount of time the child spends with each parent. However, when the father’s pay is measured by millions, the court uses other factors to assure the necessary support payments are made.
At Stolar Law Group, our clients know that they can count on our Beverly Hills child support lawyers for confidentiality and for a fair resolution.
We represent mothers and fathers in high-earner child support cases, including:
- Professional athletes
- Celebrities
- Entertainers
- Business figures
DETERMINING CHILD SUPPORT FOR SELF-EMPLOYED PARENTS
We at Stolar Law Group know how to conduct financial analysis and take other steps necessary to earn just child support orders for our clients. This includes handling many cases involving entertainers working in Hollywood, as well as entrepreneurs, high-earning consultants, and others with income that can be challenging to pinpoint and project for the future.
HOW CHILD SUPPORT IS CALCULATED IN CALIFORNIA
When it comes to child support matters, each parent is expected to provide for the children. If the child’s parents are not married, then the court will issue an order regarding support payments that are intended to provide the custodial parent with the necessary resources to provide for the child.
At Stolar Law Group, our child support attorneys in Beverly Hills can explain the child support guidelines and how they will affect your specific situation. Family courts follow standard state guidelines for child support. The court has the discretion, however, to stray from or to waive the guidelines if a child’s special needs or a parent’s special circumstances suggest a more equitable arrangement.
In most situations, the calculation of child support is based on factors such as:
- The incomes of both parents
- The amount of time the child spends at each residence
Frequently asked questions:
How child support calculated?
Child support is typically calculated based on a formula that considers the income of both parents, the number of children, and the state-specific guidelines. Factors such as health care costs, childcare expenses, and the child's standard of living may also be considered.
Are college expenses factored into child support?
In California, child support orders typically do not include a specific provision for college expenses. However, parents may agree to include college expenses in their child support agreement or seek a separate order for these expenses. Additionally, California law allows parents to enter into agreements regarding the payment of college expenses, which may be enforced by the court.
Are day care costs factored into child support?
Daycare costs are often included in the calculation of child support. The amount each parent is required to contribute is based on their income and the overall childcare expenses.
How is child support determined for high-wage earners?
Child support for high-wage earners is typically calculated based on the same formula as for other parents, but may result in higher payments due to the higher income.
Does child support look different for the self-employed?
Child support for self-employed individuals can be more complex, as their income may fluctuate. In such cases, the court may look at the parent's income over a period of time to determine an appropriate amount.
How is child support determined if the parents are unmarried?
Unmarried parents are generally required to provide child support in the same way as married parents. The amount is based on the same factors, such as income and childcare expenses.
How long does child support last?
Child support typically lasts until the child reaches the age of majority, which is usually 18 years old. However, it may continue beyond that if the child has special needs or is still in school.
What to do after receiving a summons and complaint
If you receive a summons and complaint for child support, it is important to respond promptly. You may need to appear in court and provide information about your income and expenses. At this time, it is best to secure an experienced family law attorney to help you navigate your upcoming court appearance.
How is child support determined for children with special needs?
Child support for special needs children may continue beyond the age of majority if the child is unable to support themselves due to a disability. The amount and duration of support will depend on the child's needs and the circumstances of the parents.
