Pasadena Child Support Lawyer

Compassionate Child Support Lawyers 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 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 child support attorney in Pasadena? Lawyers 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 case, including modifications of an existing agreement and non-payment.

To speak with our experienced Pasadena child support lawyers, call us at (888) 328-2734 or contact us online today. 

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: This encompasses not only salaries but also bonuses, commissions, and investments.
• Your Ex-Spouse's Income: Similar to your income, this includes all forms of earnings.
• Health Care Costs: Medical expenses related to the child should be included.
• Mandatory Dues or Retirement Contributions: These are considered as they impact overall net earnings.
• The Number of Children You and Your Spouse Have: Support calculations will vary based on the number of children involved.
• The Amount of Time the Children Spend with Each Parent: This directly affects the support required, as it correlates to the cost of living and childcare responsibilities.
• Tax Filing Status of Both You and Your Ex-Spouse: This influences disposable income calculations.
• The Number of Other Children You and Your Ex-Spouse Support: Obligations to other dependents will be factored in.

Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate calculation and fair distribution of financial responsibilities. Our attorneys at Law Offices of Makupson & Howard are well-versed in these calculations and will help ensure that support reflects the needs and circumstances of your family.

Custody Rights & Responsibilities: Navigating Legal Challenges

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 makes the final decision about custody and visitation, but will usually agree with what the parents 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.

For those navigating shared custody arrangements, knowing your rights and responsibilities is vital. It is essential to stay informed on both the logistical and emotional aspects of custody, including communication and cooperation strategies. At Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, we assist in developing fair and sustainable custody arrangements that protect the child’s best interests while upholding parental rights.

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 who 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.

Determining the applicable deductions can be complex. These may include certain taxes, health insurance premiums, and mandatory retirement contributions. By precisely defining and understanding these deductions, our lawyers can help you accurately gauge financial responsibilities, ensuring fairness and clarity in support orders.

Local Insights into Pasadena’s Family Law System

Pasadena, renowned for its rich history and cultural vibrancy, is also known for its active and responsive local government. The legal system here reflects the community's values of fairness and justice. Child support cases are handled with a focus on the welfare of the child and the well-being of the family unit. To navigate Pasadena’s family law landscape effectively, it is essential to have legal support familiar with the local courts and judges. Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, with its deep roots in the area, offers significant advantages for families in need of legal guidance.

One of the unique aspects of handling child support cases in Pasadena is its community-centered approach. Local court systems often encourage resolving disputes through mediation before moving to courtroom battles, which aligns with the firm's strengths in both mediation and litigation. This strategic advantage ensures that families can expect an equitable and peaceful resolution, supported by knowledgeable attorneys who understand both local legal nuances and broader California family law.

FAQs on Child Support in Pasadena

How Does Shared Custody Influence Child Support?

Shared custody arrangements in Pasadena impact child support calculations significantly. The amount of time children spend with each parent, calculated by the percentage of the year, directly influences child support payments. Typically, the parent who spends more time with the children receives a larger share of the child support to cover the costs of childcare, housing, and education.

Beyond the financial calculations, shared custody requires effective communication and cooperation between parents to ensure that the child's needs are met consistently. At Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, we work proactively to ensure your custody arrangement is clear and, together with child support arrangements, ensures that both parents contribute fairly to the child's upbringing.

What Happens If Child Support Payments Are Missed?

In Pasadena, the consequences of missing child support payments are taken seriously. The local court system is equipped to enforce payments through various means, including wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, and even suspension of driver’s licenses. These enforcement mechanisms aim to emphasize the importance of meeting child support obligations for the well-being of the children involved.

If you encounter difficulties in making or receiving child support payments, it is crucial to act swiftly. At Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, we can guide you through the process of initiating collections or seeking modifications to ensure child support agreements reflect current circumstances. Our legal team is committed to preserving both the financial stability and the welfare of the families we assist.

Can Custody Arrangements Be Modified?

Yes, custody arrangements in Pasadena can be modified to reflect changes in the family’s or children's circumstances. Modifications typically require a court procedure where the parent seeking the modification must demonstrate a significant change in circumstances. This could involve a change in one parent’s living situation, employment, health issues, or the child's specific needs.

Law Offices of Makupson & Howard offers thorough legal counsel to help navigate these modifications, ensuring that the terms of custody remain in the child’s best interests. Our attorneys are well-equipped to represent these cases in court, collaborating with clients to ensure that any modifications are fair, workable, and sustainable.

How Is Child Support Enforced in Pasadena?

In Pasadena, the enforcement of child support is a priority, carried out through a collaboration of local courts and support services. Enforcement is facilitated by mechanisms such as wage garnishment, seizure of property, and interception of tax refunds. These tools ensure compliance with child support orders, highlighting the seriousness of these obligations.

If you are facing challenges with enforcement or need to initiate a claim, Law Offices of Makupson & Howard can provide comprehensive assistance. Our team is prepared to support you in all phases of enforcement actions, whether you are looking to receive due support or find a fair resolution to payment hurdles.

What Determines the Amount of Child Support?

In Pasadena, the calculation of child support involves a systematic evaluation of both parents’ finances in accordance with California guidelines. Factors such as both parents' incomes, expenses, percentage of time spent with children, and even the children’s needs are taken into account during calculations.

It is necessary for these calculations to be accurate and comprehensive to ensure that the child's requirements are met without causing undue financial strain on either parent. At Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, our team excels in structuring child support agreements that reflect the individual circumstances of each family, guaranteeing fairness and financial stability for your child's upbringing.

Resources:

• California Department of Child Support Services
• Establish Paternity

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