Menlo Park Child Support Lawyer

Child support can be one of the most contentious issues faced by a divorcing couple. Oftentimes, both parents are concerned with ensuring their children are not overly affected by the divorce, and they’re committed to making sure all financial needs of the children are met as well. When one or both parents bring home high incomes, the situation can become even more complicated. An experienced family law lawyer can help address the often-contentious nature of child support cases.

How Is Child Support Determined?

Child support generally ends when the child reaches the age of 18, unless the child is still in high school. If parents cannot agree on how to settle the child support aspect of their divorce, a family law judge will decide on the matter. In California, guideline child support is calculated by a formula that takes into account a variety of factors, most prominently gross income of each party and each parent’s time with the child(ren). Several tax deductions for the parties are also taken into consideration. Unfortunately, this formula doesn’t always lead to child support orders that the parties consider fair.

Modifying Existing Child Support Orders

Because circumstances can change, motions can be filed to modify existing child support orders based on a change of circumstances. Changes such as job loss and serious illness may allow a person to petition for child support modification. We can assist you with child support matters at our offices in Menlo Park and San Ramon.