Establish a Child Support Order with Beverly Hills Family Law and Divorce Counsel
When you and your child’s other parent are separated, approaching divorce or already divorced, the financial support for the child becomes a matter for a family law court to determine. A child support order will be part of your divorce. If you and the other parent are not or have not been married to each other, a child support order will be a stand-alone document from the court.
California State Guideline Child Support
Child support amounts are generally determined with the use of a state calculator (Dissomaster) under Family Code Section 4053. The state calculator takes into account both parents’ income and other financial factors such as whether either of you is already paying child support for another child. The calculating tool also accounts for how many nights a year the child stays or will stay with each parent.
I am family law attorney Bradley S. Sandler in Los Angeles, and I can help ensure that you pay or receive the correct level of child support. If you have reason to petition the family law court to deviate from the standard calculations, I can help you document and present to the court a strong argument in support of your position.
Determining “income” to calculate child support
In California, the court must first determine the income of the mother and father to run a Child Support calculation using the Dissomaster (court support software program that determines support). A Court will order support based on income, bonuses, overtime and other income received. Courts may not consider certain public assistance or SSI as income.
How “time-share” can effect child support
The Court will enter the time percentage of custody that each parent has with their child(ren) in the Dissomaster. The Dissomaster will calculate a number based on the income (it adjusts for credits such as payment for school or health insurance) and the timeshare. The more time a person has with their child will usually result in paying less support.
Depending on the facts of your case and the other parent’s stance, you may need my help to:
- Apply the state’s child support guidelines to your unique situation
- Negotiate, mediate or litigate in support of your preferred child support outcome
- Petition the court to deviate from the standard formula or modify the terms after a change in income or expenses for one or both parents
- Enforce a Child Support Order
I can represent you in the event that you and the other parent do not agree on or understand your child support obligations in California. Law Office of Bradley S. Sandler A Professional Corporation can be a valuable source of information and advocacy for you as long as you are paying or receiving child support.
Request A Consultation To Discuss Child Support Or Any Child-Related Family Law Matter
I want to use my legal knowledge and advocacy skills on your behalf. A consultation to discuss your needs is an important first step toward resolution. To arrange to talk with me about your child support issues, call the Law Office of Bradley S. Sandler A Professional Corporation Call 310-246-3900 or contact me at bradley@sandlerlawfirm.com to schedule a consultation at my Beverly Hills office.