Los Angeles Child Support Attorney To Protect Your Family’s Financial Well-being
Establishing appropriate child support payments is a crucial step in securing your children’s financial future after a separation or divorce. I am child support attorney Teresa Beyers, and I founded The Law Offices of Teresa A. Beyers in Los Angeles over two decades ago, focusing exclusively on family law matters.
Child support is often a sensitive and highly contested issue for parents. I understand the complexities of these discussions and work to ensure fair and accurate payments. I will passionately advocate for your best interests and especially those of your children.
Understanding California’s Child Support Guidelines
California uses a statewide guideline formula to determine a final support amount. This approach helps ensure fairness and consistency across all cases. A judge looks at several important factors when setting a support order, including:
- The total income of both parents
- The amount of time each parent spends with the children
This formula considers many details, including both parents’ paycheck amounts as well as other sources of income. As your child support lawyer lawyer, I use my extensive knowledge of Los Angeles family courts and California family law requirements to ensure the support amounts are calculated correctly and fully reflect your specific circumstances.
Basic Facts About Child Support Payments
It is essential to understand what expenses child support covers and how long these payments typically last. Child support primarily covers basic needs, such as:
- Food
- Housing
- Clothing
Costs for child care and uninsured health care expenses (such as copayments and deductibles) are typically calculated as mandatory add-ons to the basic support amount and split between the parents.
Generally, child support payments continue until the child turns 18. However, support for an unmarried, non-self-supporting child who is a full-time high school student will continue until the child completes the 12th grade or turns 19, whichever happens first. Support payments can also continue for adult children with special needs. In some cases, parents agree to extend payments beyond a child’s 19th birthday.
How Custody Affects Child Support
Your current custody arrangement significantly impacts the final child support amount. The time each parent spends with the children (known as the timeshare percentage) is a significant factor in the state’s calculation formula. A parent with a lower percentage, sometimes called the noncustodial parent, will typically pay more than a parent with a closer-to-50/50 timeshare.
I understand the nuances of these arrangements. I will work diligently to determine a fair child support agreement that accurately reflects your time with your children.
Modifying And Enforcing Child Support Orders
Life circumstances change, and sometimes a child support order needs to change, too. I can help clients modify orders when a substantial change occurs. Either parent can request a modification if a significant change of circumstance occurs, such as:
- A change in either parent’s income or employment status
- A change in the amount of time each parent has custody of the children
- A significant change in the child’s needs, such as a serious illness
When a co-parent stops paying child support, it’s often due to financial hardship, such as losing their job or facing a significant medical bill. Other times, a parent may disagree with the current custody arrangement and feel they shouldn’t have to pay, especially after contentious divorce proceedings.
If your co-parent falls behind or stops making required child support payments, you have legal options. I can help you file enforcement actions with the court, which may include wage garnishments, in which payments are taken directly from the paying parent’s paycheck. I vigorously protect my clients to help ensure they receive the financial support their children deserve.
Contact Me To Discuss Your Child Support Case
Since 2003, I have focused exclusively on family law matters, including complex child support issues and post-judgment modifications. I offer a free initial phone consultation to discuss your specific situation. Please call The Law Offices of Teresa A. Beyers today at 213-933-6681, or contact me through my online form to speak with an experienced child support attorney. I am ready to help secure you and your child’s well-being.