Child Support

The family law attorneys at the law office of Richard Ross Associates have decades of experience handling divorce cases in Oxnard and throughout Ventura County and beyond, including addressing the all-important issue of child support.

Both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially.  Since most custody orders result in one parent having primary custody with respect to the other parent, the court will generally order some amount of monthly support to be paid to the custodial parent by the non-custodial parent.  Child support usually terminates when the child turns 18, although it may be extended until the child turns 19 if he or she is still in high school at the time.  Also, child support could be awarded for an indefinite period if the child is disabled or otherwise unable to become self-supporting.  As with spousal support orders, either parent may later seek modification of a child support award if due to changed circumstances a modification would be in the child's best interest.

The amount of a child support award is calculated in accordance with a number of factors outlined in the child support guideline enacted under state law.  Some of the major factors are:

• The number of children
• Each parent's income and earning capacity
• The custody plan, including the costs of traveling for visitation
• Expenses related to the child's educational and medical needs, including the cost of health insurance

The parents can agree to deviate from the amount established by the guidelines, subject to approval by the court and a determination that the amount is in the child's best interest.  The parents could also agree to continue support payments beyond the termination date established in the court order.

Effective Representation of Your Rights and Interests

When a marriage has produced children, the issues of custody and support are often among the most important to the parties in a divorce, and they are sometimes the most contentious as well.  Whether the issues can be resolved amicably through mediation or collaboration, or if litigation approach is required, the attorneys at Richard Ross Associates have the skills and expertise to make sure your rights and interests are protected, and that any child support award is adequate and fair to all parties involved.  Contact the firm for help in calculating the likely child support amount or for assistance with any other divorce or family law matter.