San Diego Child Support Attorneys

Protecting Children with Fair Support Orders

Gill Law Group, PC is an award-winning family law practice dedicated to helping parents protect their children. One way we do this is by helping parents obtain fair child support orders.

If you are navigating support-related matters arising from a divorce or have questions about modifying or enforcing an existing child support agreement, we can help. Our San Diego child support attorneys leverage decades of experience to help clients navigate the family court system and pursue resolutions that meet their needs and goals.

Learn how proven counsel can help with your child support matter during a consultation. Call (619) 485-9030 or contact us online today.

What is Child Support?

In California, both legal parents are required to financially support their children, regardless of their marital status or custody arrangement. 

This obligation ensures that the child's needs are met and covers essential expenses such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare. It ends only when a child becomes an adult, or the parental relationship is legally terminated.

Understanding Child Support Laws in California

California law mandates that child support be calculated based on a statewide guideline. This guideline ensures a fair and standardized approach and takes into account:

• Parental Income: Both parents' earnings are considered to ensure a fair distribution of financial responsibility.
• Custody and Visitation: The proportion of time the child spends with each parent affects the payment amount.
• Additional Costs: Healthcare premiums, daycare expenses, and other necessary costs are included in the calculation.

Modifying an Existing Child Support Order

Life changes, and so can your child support order. California law allows for modifications if there is a significant change in circumstances such as:

• A change in either parent's income
• Changes in custody or visitation arrangements
• Increased needs of the child (e.g., medical expenses, education)

To modify a child support order, you must file a request with the court and provide adequate documentation supporting the change. It's crucial to follow the legal process to ensure that modifications are legally binding and enforceable and to work with an attorney to help you navigate the process and present a strong case for modifying your existing order. 

Child Support Enforcement in San Diego

Enforcing child support orders is vital to ensure that children receive the financial support to which they are entitled. In California, there are several methods to enforce child support orders, including:

• Wage Garnishment: Automatically deducting child support payments from the non-custodial parent's wages.
• Intercepting Tax Refunds: Seizing state and federal tax refunds to cover unpaid child support.
• Suspending Licenses: Revoking or suspending driver's licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses for non-payment.
• Contempt of Court: Taking legal action against parents who fail to comply with child support orders, which can result in fines or imprisonment.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Child Support Cases

Navigating child support laws and procedures can be complex and emotionally taxing. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a significant difference. 

At Gill Law Group, PC, our attorneys have decades of collective experience handling issues involving support, custody, and other family law matters involving children, and always take steps to prioritize the rights and well-being of children. Our team is available to guide you through each step of your journey, provide personalized counsel based on your circumstances, and give an honest assessment of your rights and options for pursuing the best possible outcome. 

Have Child Support Questions? Gill Law Group, PC Can Help.

If you have questions about child support or need assistance with your case, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Our San Diego child support lawyers proudly serve parents across Southern California. 

To request your initial consultation, call (619) 485-9030 or contact us online.