Child Support Lawyer in Pasadena

Compassionate Child Support Attorneys in Los Angeles County, CA

Legally, any child of a couple (married or not) is owed support. The amount of support is determined by the court unless an agreement between the parents has been reached outside of court. Child support is usually paid by wage assignment, which means the payments are deducted from the paycheck of the spouse responsible for paying support. In most situations, support is awarded until a child is 18 and finishes high school. If a child does not complete high school their requirements by the age of 18, the support continues until the child graduates or turns 19.

Child support cases can be extremely complex and stressful. Looking for a lawyer for your child support matter in Pasadena? Child support attorneys at The Law Offices of Makupson & Howard are sensitive to both the legal and emotional aspects of these cases. 

We provide caring and capable legal counsel with the goal of protecting your rights and the welfare of your children. A Pasadena divorce lawyer from our firm can be counted on for competent legal representation in any child support matter, including modifications of an existing agreement and non-payment.

Understanding Child Support Calculations in California

Child support issues are usually addressed during divorce proceedings, but can also take place before or after a divorce case has been settled. The state's Agnos Minimum Child Support Standards Act is applied when determining the amount of child support a parent will pay.

It involves various calculations that take into consideration:

• Your income
• Your ex-spouses incomes
• Health care costs
• Mandatory dues or retirement contributions
• The number of children you and your spouse have
• The amount of time the children spend with each parent
• Tax filing status of both you and your ex-spouse
• The number of other children you and your ex-spouse support

Custody Rights: Can a Mother Keep the Child from the Father in California?

In California, a mother cannot keep the child away from the father. In California, either parent can have custody of the child, or both parents can share custody. The judge can make the final decision about the custody and visitation, but will usually agree with what the parents both decide to agree on. 

If both parents can’t agree on one, then the judge will make a decision at a court hearing. The judge will usually not make a decision about custody and visitation until after the parents have met with a mediator from Family Court Services.

Child Support in California: Gross vs. Net Income Explained

In California, child support is based on net income. To get started with calculating child support payments, you must collect both parents’ net disposable incomes. Net disposable income is the difference between gross income and what counts as deductions for child support purposes.

Attorney Carolyn A. Makupson is a court appointed minor's counsel that has represented the interests of children in many contested custody matters. She is intimately familiar with the various laws and issues pertaining to child support, and is a skilled client advocate in support cases.

Resources:

• California Department of Child Support Services
• Establish Paternity

Contact a Pasadena Child Support Attorney Today from our office at (888) 328-2734 if you are seeking child support for experienced and knowledgeable legal assistance.