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Child Support

Child Support

As a parent, ensuring the well-being and financial stability of your child is of the utmost importance. The child support system plays a crucial role in providing for the needs of children whose parents have separated or divorced. Whether you are seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, it's essential to understand the process and your rights under the law. Navigating child support issues can be stressful, but Tien Law Firm is here to provide comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs.

How is Child Support Determined?

Child support in North Carolina and California is determined based on the state Child Support Guidelines, which take into account various factors, including:  

  • The incomes of both parents  
  • The number of children  
  • The cost of health insurance and work-related childcare expenses  
  • Any other financial obligations or special circumstances

The guidelines use a formula to calculate the appropriate amount of child support, ensuring a fair and consistent approach across the state.

Process of Obtaining Child Support

To initiate a child support case, you can either file a petition with the court or apply for child support services through your local child support enforcement agency. The process typically involves the following steps:   

  • Establishing paternity (if necessary)   
  • Gathering financial information from both parents   
  • Calculating the appropriate child support amount based on the guidelines   
  • Obtaining a child support order from the court   
  • Enforcing the order if the non-custodial parent fails to pay

10 Common Issues with Child Support

1. Inaccurate income information: Disputes may arise over the accurate reporting of income, which can affect the child support calculation.   
2. Changes in financial circumstances: If a parent's income or expenses change significantly, they may need to modify the child support order.   
3. Difficulty enforcing the order: Some non-custodial parents may refuse to pay or find ways to avoid their child support obligations.   
4. Failure to account for special needs or expenses: The guidelines may not adequately address the unique needs or expenses of a child.   
5. Disputes over the allocation of healthcare and childcare costs: Parents may disagree on who is responsible for covering these expenses.   
6. Handling of tax-related benefits: The treatment of tax exemptions and credits can impact the child support calculation.   
7. Jurisdictional issues: If a parent moves to a different state, it may complicate the enforcement or modification of the child support order.   
8. Imputing income: The court may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, which can affect the child support amount.   
9. Handling of self-employment income: Accurately determining and accounting for self-employment income can be challenging.   
10. Disputes over extracurricular activities and other expenses: Parents may disagree on the appropriate level of support for various child-related expenses.

Finding the Best Child Support Attorney for You

If you need assistance with any aspect of child support, don't hesitate to contact our, child support lawyer. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of parents and seek for the children to receive the financial support they may need.

Call (888) 920-8180 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation. 

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FAQs About Child Support in California

Q: How long does a child support order last in Los Angeles?   
A: Child support orders in California typically remain in effect until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.

Q: Can a child support order be modified in Los Angeles?   
A: Yes, a child support order can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or expenses.

Q: What happens if the non-custodial parent refuses to pay child support?   
A: California has various enforcement mechanisms, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and even incarceration, to compel payment of child support.

Q: Can I refuse visitation if the non-custodial parent is not paying child support?   
A: No, visitation and child support are separate legal issues. Refusing visitation due to non-payment of child support is not permitted and could result in legal consequences.

What Clients are Saying About Tien Law Firm

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    Timeline for a Child Support Case in Los Angeles

    The timeline for a child support case in Los Angeles can vary depending on the specific circumstances, but generally, the process may take several months to complete. Here's a general timeline:   

    1. Initial filing and information gathering: 1-2 months   
    2. Calculation of child support amount: 1-2 weeks   
    3. Court hearing and order issuance: 1-3 months   
    4. Enforcement of the order (if necessary): Ongoing

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