Child Support Lawyers in Beverly Hills

Trusted Los Angeles Child Support Attorneys for California Families

Parents have a legal obligation to support their children with food, clothing, medical care, education, and much more. That obligation continues even after marriage or partnership between the parents has ended through divorce or separation, and parents usually want to know exactly what role child support will play in the years to come.

At Mansouri Law Offices, our Los Angeles child support lawyers are here to answer your questions regarding child support in California. We are proud to advise and represent parents from all walks of life in Beverly Hills and throughout Los Angeles.

Why You Should Hire a Los Angeles Child Custody Lawyer

Representing yourself in a child custody case is your right and can have advantages and disadvantages. In some states, you do not need to have an attorney present; however, if you are unsure about your chances in your case, then a child custody lawyer is going to be your strongest alternative.

To arrange a confidential consultation with an experienced child support lawyer in Los Angeles, contact our office today at (310) 878-4077.

Key Factors Considered in California Child Custody Cases

The amount of child support to be paid is determined by specific guidelines laid out in California law. The guidelines account for a wide variety of factors, such as each parent's monthly income and the amount of time each parent spends caring for the child.

Income from all sources will be examined when a court decides on the amount of child support to be paid. The income could be in the form of money, property, or services, and income may include wages, commissions, and bonuses.

The court's determination of child support will be influenced by factors including:

• The child's age
• Each parent's employment history
• Each parent's income
• The terms of the custody agreement
• The amount of time each parent spends caring for the child
• The terms of visitation given to the non-custodial parent
• The number of children each parent has

Understanding Child Support Modification in California

Either the custodial parent or the noncustodial parent can seek a child support modification. However, they must be able to prove that a "change in circumstances" has taken place. There are a number of situations that could be considered a change in circumstances:

• For example, a parent's income could have gone significantly down or significantly up. Or, perhaps a parent has lost their job. Being sent to prison can also constitute a change in circumstances. If there is another child from another relationship, this could also be a change in circumstances.
• In addition, if the child custody schedule has significantly changed, meaning one parent or the other spends much more or less time with the child, this may also qualify as a change in circumstances. A change in circumstances may also exist if the child's financial needs, such as child care, medical expenses or school expenses have changed.
• Finally, if one of the factors that went into determining the original child support order has changed, this might also count as a change in circumstances.

This list is not all-exhaustive, nor can it guarantee any particular result in a motion to modify child support. Parents in California who wish to modify an existing child support order may want to contact their attorney to see if this can be done.

Whether you are seeking a change in child support or trying to prevent modification from happening, it is important to speak with a Los Angeles child support lawyer about your concerns and goals. In any case, parents should never simply stop paying support.