Securing Your Child’s Future: Skilled Resolution Of Complex Support Disputes In California
When parents decide to go their separate ways, establishing child support is often a necessity. At Family Law Group, Inc. we help our clients determine who will pay child support, explain how the support amount is determined and ensure that our clients’ interests are protected throughout the process. From offices in Livermore and Redondo Beach, we serve clients throughout the Bay Area and LA.
We offer a team of attorneys dedicated exclusively to family law with more than 75 years of combined experience among them. We also have extensive experience working with the statewide child support collection agency, the California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS). This experience can help you whether you are looking to enlist their services or have received notice that they will begin enforcing an order against you.
How Child Support Is Determined In California
In California, child support is governed by the Statewide Uniform Guideline (Family Code §§ 4050–4076). Courts calculate support using a “presumptively correct” guideline formula, based on factors such as:
- Gross income and earning capacity, including wages, bonuses, commissions, investment income and — when appropriate — imputed income for underemployment
- Net monthly disposable income, after permitted deductions like taxes, qualifying retirement/union deductions, health insurance premiums and certain hardship deductions
- Timeshare (the percentage of parenting time), which can significantly affect the guideline outcome
- New spouse income is generally excluded but may be considered for limited tax purposes
These numbers are entered into a software program that calculates a support amount. It is important to have an experienced attorney representing you to ensure that the numbers entered into the calculations are accurate and that you arrive at a fair support figure.
In some cases, the court may depart from guideline support if applying it would be unjust or inappropriate. We focus on ensuring the inputs are accurate and supported — especially when your income is complex, variable or disputed.
Your child custody arrangement will have a significant impact on the child support amount. Our firm can assist you in establishing a parenting plan and other family law matters related to your divorce or separation.
Understanding The California Department Of Child Support Services
Many parents may encounter DCSS, a state department that oversees dozens of child support agencies across the state. This department may help establish parentage, locate a parent, calculate guideline support (Family Code §§ 4050–4076) and enforce orders through tools like wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension and medical support enforcement.
Child Support Enforcement And Modifications
Child support orders are only effective if they are followed and if they can be updated when life changes. Our lawyers are deeply familiar with California’s child support laws and the procedures used by both the court and DCSS to establish and enforce support.
If the other parent is not paying, we can help you pursue enforcement options such as wage garnishment, liens, interception of tax refunds, and other remedies available through the court or DCSS. If you have been accused of falling behind, we can also help you understand your exposure, respond appropriately and seek practical solutions that reduce the risk of escalating enforcement action.
In addition, we represent parents in child support modifications when a significant change in circumstances affects the guideline calculation – such as a job change, a meaningful shift in parenting time, a medical issue or changes in bonus/commission income. In appropriate cases, we assist families seeking to extend support for a child with special needs beyond age 18. Whether you are requesting a new order, enforcing an existing one, or asking the court to adjust support to reflect current realities, we are prepared to advocate for a fair outcome that protects your child’s best interests and your financial stability.
Talk With Us About Your Concerns
We welcome the opportunity to meet with you personally to discuss your situation and answer any questions you may have. Please call our child support attorneys in Livermore 925-344-3524 or Redondo Beach at 310-868-6906. Or, contact us online to arrange a consultation.