Child Support Attorneys in Carlsbad & Ramona

Whether you are going through a divorce with children involved or you and the child’s other parent were never together, it’s important to seek child support to ensure their needs are met. While both parents must financially support their own households for their children, sometimes discrepancies in income can leave children without one home or the other. This is where child support becomes a necessity. All children deserve to be financially supported by both of their parents, and an order for child support is meant to make sure that happens.

Calculating Child Support

In most cases, there is a set formula that is used to calculate how much child support is owed, and to whom. When you apply for child support through the court, you may not need an attorney because it is a set calculation, but it can be useful to work with an experienced lawyer who can help you feel more confident in the end result. In some situations, you may be able to agree to a lesser or greater amount as needed, but it’s important to consider the long-term ramifications of this type of agreement. Because money is a sensitive topic when you are separating from a spouse, it’s important to work with attorneys to make sure no one is shortchanged. 

Child support calculations typically factor in:

• Income for both parties
• Number of children
• Deductions and expenses
• Amount of time children are in each parent’s care
• Tax status

While the goal is to make sure children are properly supported by both parents, it’s important to make sure neither parent is put at a financial disadvantage. This is why it is best to go with the calculations as set forth by the courts, rather than coming to an agreement on your own that may leave out some important factors.

Enforcing Orders

After you are awarded child support, payments should start immediately or upon the date set by the judge. However, this doesn’t always happen. Some individuals avoid paying child support for a variety of reasons. When this happens, you are entitled to enforcing the orders through the court. Our experienced team can help you determine the best course of action for collecting the support you are entitled. It’s also important to remember child support and parenting time are handled separately. You can’t withhold the child due to the nonpayment of support.

In addition to child support calculations and enforcement, we also help with modifications, which can occur when either party’s financial situation changes.

For assistance from our Carlsbad and Ramona child support lawyers, fill out our online contact form or call (760) 259-2184.