We Are Committed California Attorneys Handling Child Support Matters

When the payment or nonpayment of child support becomes a power struggle between parents rather than a means of meeting the needs of a child, the ensuing disputes over parents’ rights can impact parent-child relationships and even child custody and visitation agreements. The successful resolution of child support issues is often central to the final disposition of any divorce or paternity case and requires the guidance of committed attorneys with expertise in this sensitive practice area.

Determining Child Support

California State Courts use mandated, uniform, statewide child support guidelines to determine the appropriate amount of child support payable by a parent. These guideline amounts are calculated based on numerous factors, including each parent’s income available for support, the amount of time each parent spends caring for the child, and the needs of the child, among others. In California, individuals with extraordinarily high income may qualify for special circumstances. Sometimes the court can find that applying the state’s formula would calculate an amount of child support that would exceed the needs of the child. In such cases, the court can deviate from applying said guideline to limit the amount of child support to what would meet the child’s reasonable needs.

The attorneys at Phillips Lerner have a comprehensive understanding of and substantial experience in the negotiation and litigation of child support cases, including those involving high-net-worth individuals.