Child Support Attorney in Westlake Village

Our Child Support Lawyers Can Fight for Your Children's Needs

Child support refers to a support obligation owing on behalf of a child or an amount owing to a county for reimbursement of public assistance paid on behalf of a child pursuant to Family Code Section 17402.  It also refers to past-due support and arrearages; and, for children owed a duty of support, it includes “maintenance and education.” Family Code Section 3900 codifies the general obligation of both parents to support their minor children in a manner suitable to the child’s circumstances.

Contact us online or call (805) 777-1011 to learn more by consulting a Westlake Village child support attorney today.

Do Both Mothers and Fathers Pay Child Support in California?

All minor children of the parents are owed a statutory duty of support.  The obligation is not tied to the parents’ mutual status, nor is it limited to biological offspring. Moreover, the obligation is gender-neutral. Thus, same sex couples may be a child’s parents, both of whom owe a child support duty.

This general obligation is also reflected in a statement of legislative intent regarding the application of the “statewide uniform child support guideline.”  Children deserve to be as protected as possible when their parents are separated or choose to obtain a divorce. They should not have to suffer loss of one or both parents' support due to circumstances outside of their control, namely a breakup or a divorce.

Child Support Laws in California

Child support; principles of uniform guidelines -  Family Code §4053 provides that in  implementing the statewide uniform guideline, the courts shall adhere to the following principles:

• A parent’s first and principal obligation is to support the parent’s minor children according to the parent’s circumstances and station in life.
• Both parents are mutually responsible for the support of their children.
• The guideline takes into account each parent’s actual income and level of responsibility for the children.
• Each parent should pay for the support of the children according to the parent’s ability.
• The guideline seeks to place the interests of children as the state’s top priority.
• Children should share in the standard of living of both parents. Child support may therefore appropriately improve the standard of living of the custodial household to improve the lives of the children.
• Child support orders in cases in which both parents have high levels of responsibility for the children should reflect the increased costs of raising the children in two homes and should minimize significant disparities in the children’s living standards in the two homes.
• The financial needs of the children should be met through private financial resources as much as possible.
• It is presumed that a parent having primary physical responsibility for the children contributes a significant portion of available resources for the support of the children.
• The guideline seeks to encourage fair and efficient settlements of conflicts between parents and seeks to minimize the need for litigation.
• The guideline is intended to be presumptively correct in all cases, and only under special circumstances should child support orders fall below the child support mandated by the guideline formula.
• Child support orders shall ensure that children actually receive fair, timely, and sufficient support reflecting the state’s high standard of living and high costs of raising children compared to other states. (Am Stats 2019, C115)

Determining the Amount of Child Support in CA

Family Code §4057 provides that the amount of child support established by the formula provided in subdivision (a) of Section 4055 is presumed to be the correct amount of child support to be ordered. Family Code §4062 provides: 

The court shall order the following as additional child support:

1.  Child care costs related to employment or to reasonably necessary education or training for employment skills.
2.  The reasonable uninsured health care costs for the children as provided in Section 4063.

The court may order the following as additional child support:

1. Costs related to the educational or other special needs of the children.
2. Travel expenses for visitation. (Am Stats 1994, C466)

The Westlake Village child support lawyers at Richard RossAssociates are experienced with all variations of child custody and child support and are here to help you navigate this process.

If you are looking for a child support attorney in Westlake Village who is dedicated to getting you the best results, contact us online today!

High Wage Earners & Child Support

Under Family Code 4057, "extraordinarily high wage earners" can deviate from the guidelines. Where the law is vague in what it defines as an "extraordinarily high income," the general thought process behind the law is to protect the child's best interests, including the standard of living they were accustomed to while their parents were married. Therefore, in these cases, support ordered from the higher earner may exceed the actual needs of the child or children.

When one parent is a high wage earner, there can also be complex financial records, business ownership, bonuses, and investments that must be reviewed before an order is made. We carefully gather and analyze income information, tax returns, and other documentation so the court has an accurate picture of each parent’s resources. In many families in and around Westlake Village, this kind of detailed review is essential to ensure that children benefit from the lifestyle they would have enjoyed if the parents had stayed together, without creating an unfair burden on either parent.

Child Support Mediation in California

If you and your spouse can reach an agreement regarding the support of your children, mediation may be appropriate. For mediation to be successful, especially in this often highly contested area of your divorce, both parents must focus on the needs and best interests of their children. Your mediator will act as a neutral third party; it is your job to set aside your emotions to reach an agreement.

During mediation, we help you understand how the California guideline works, what a judge in the local family courts in Ventura County or Los Angeles County is likely to consider, and where there may be room for flexibility. Parents can address issues such as add-on expenses, future changes in income, and how they will communicate about payments over time. By resolving these questions in a cooperative setting, many families reduce stress on their children and maintain more control over the final support arrangement than they would if everything were left to the court.

How to Modify Child Support in California

Life changes can facilitate a change in your child support orders. Changes in the circumstances of either parent, including: 

• Losing or gaining employment 
• Incarceration 
• A decrease in income 
• The time spent raising the child or children 
• The changing needs of the child
• New children are being born

Remember that parents always have a responsibility to financially care for their children, and it is a crime not to pay or stop paying child support. When your circumstances have changed, consult with Richard Ross Associates, and our team can help you modify your agreement to be in the best interests of your child and your financial situation.

Ensuring Fair Child Support Payments in Westlake Village

At Richard Ross Associates, our team of experienced child support attorneys is dedicated to ensuring that child support payments are fair and in the best interest of the children involved. We understand the complexities of child support laws in California and work diligently to protect the rights of both parents and their children.

We regularly appear in nearby courthouses such as the Ventura County Superior Court and Los Angeles County family law courts, so we are familiar with how local judges apply the statewide guidelines. That practical knowledge allows us to explain what you can realistically expect and to prepare the documents and evidence needed to present your situation clearly. Whether your case involves wage assignments, self-employment income, or questions about health insurance and extracurricular costs, we take the time to walk you through your options so you can make informed choices at each stage.

Our child support lawyers can assist you with the full range of issues related to support:

• Negotiating clear agreements that set out payment amounts, due dates, and responsibility for add-on expenses in a way that works for your family
• Enforcing existing orders when payments are late or missing, including helping you understand the tools available through the courts
• Requesting modifications of child support payments when there has been a substantial change in income, parenting time, or your child’s needs
• Accurately calculating support using the California guideline formula and inputting income, deductions, and timeshare correctly

Whether you are a custodial parent seeking financial support for your children or a non-custodial parent facing child support obligations, our Westlake Village child support attorneys are here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can advocate for your children's needs.

Understanding California Child Support Procedures

Many parents are unsure what to expect once they decide to move forward with a child support case, especially if it is their first time in the family law system. The process typically begins with filing the appropriate paperwork in the local courthouse, such as the Ventura County Superior Court or a Los Angeles County family law division, followed by financial disclosures from both parents. From there, the court will schedule hearings or conferences to review income information, parenting time, and any special circumstances that may affect support. Knowing the general timeline and steps involved can make the experience less stressful and help you prepare for each stage.

After the initial order is made, there are additional procedures that may come into play, such as wage garnishment, payment tracking through the State Disbursement Unit, or requests to change the order when life circumstances shift. A child support attorney can guide you through gathering pay stubs, tax returns, and other proof the court requires, and can help you present your position clearly if a dispute arises. We also explain how enforcement works if payments are missed, and what options exist for resolving problems before they escalate, so you understand both your rights and your responsibilities over the long term.

Contact a Westlake Village Child Support Lawyer

As you can see, it is extremely difficult to calculate child support. That is why you cannot hesitate to hire a knowledgeable and experienced child support lawyer in Westlake Village from the offices of Richard Ross Associates. Our firm will build the strongest possible case on your behalf and will ensure that the court treats you fairly when determining child support. We can also assist you in drafting your own child support agreement outside of the courtroom if you are pursuing an uncontested or collaborative divorce.

When you reach out to our office, we will review your current orders, any pending filings, and the specific concerns you have about your children’s financial needs. We then outline a plan for moving forward, whether that involves filing in the local family court, preparing for a hearing, or working toward a negotiated agreement with the other parent. By having a dedicated legal team guide you through each step, you can focus on parenting while we address the legal and procedural details that affect your child support arrangement.

Contact us online or call (805) 777-1011 to learn more by consulting a Westlake Village child support attorney today.