Child Support in Los Angeles, CA
Child support is among the most hotly-contested issues for co-parents in California. Both parents are expected to contribute financially to the welfare of the children, but depending on income levels, lifestyle, parental time, and more, one parent may be expected to pay a sum each month to the other parent to ensure that the child has a safe and satisfactory standard of living. The child support system can be complex, and at times unfair without the right representation. At Zitser Family Law Group, APC, we understand that child support is one of the most challenging matters in a divorce. Our Los Angeles child support lawyers have helped many clients achieve fair child support orders. We will fight on your behalf to protect your child’s future. To discuss your situation with a legal team you can trust, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today.
Understanding Child Support
Child support is always likely in cases where there are discrepancies in time spent with each parent or income, however, the agreement must still be fair for both parties. Those that are fighting to improve the welfare of their child benefit from working with a Los Angeles divorce attorney that has taken on hundreds of child support cases. Zitser Family Law Group, APC recognizes the importance of child support and is committed to helping ensure that the court protects your child’s best interests.
Factors Influencing Child Support in California
The state of California calculates child support based on a number of different factors relating to the parents and the child. Some of the primary factors that are considered when determining a child support award include the following:
- The income of each parent
- The percentage of time each parent spends with the child, as calculated by the J Factor formula
- The earning potential of the supported party
- Child care expenses
- The income taxes paid by each parent
- Additional expenses that impact the family’s finances
Child Support Modifications & Enforcements
If you believe you or your former spouse’s income is not being adequately represented, that you are paying more than your income allows, or there are difficulties with the payments due to the nature of your work, our team can assist you in fighting for a fairer settlement. Child support modifications are permitted when circumstances significantly change. For example, if there has been a loss of employment, a serious health condition, or a variety of other factors, the court may consider making changes to your existing child support agreement. Additionally, if you need assistance enforcing an existing child support order, we can work with the court to ensure your child’s support is being paid by the other parent. The bottom line is that no matter your situation, we are here to support your interests.
Experienced Advocacy for Your Family
Our team knows that child support calculations can be intricate and require a nuanced approach, especially in high-asset divorces. Our attorneys have the resources to guide you through your case’s complexities and protect your financial interests. We can safeguard your child’s well-being while achieving a positive outcome for you.
Providing an In-Depth Financial Analysis
Our team can go beyond simply reviewing pay stubs. We can work with accountants to analyze every important aspect of your and your co-parent’s financial situation. By taking these steps, we can identify the child support amount that’s appropriate for you. Aspects we might examine include:
- Income. We work to assess how each spouse’s possible salaries, bonuses, commissions, and any other forms of earned income can affect child support payments. Additionally, we can delve into passive income sources like investment portfolios, rental properties, royalties, and trust distributions to better understand your circumstances.
- Assets. Our team can value your assets, including physical holdings, stocks, and business interests, to make an accurate calculation. Our assessments can also allow us to protect your assets from unfair division or liquidation in an effort to meet support obligations.
- Earning capacity. Our team can consider your earning potential based on your education level, employment history, and industry trends. By looking at the future, we can ensure a sustainable support arrangement that can adapt to your evolving circumstances.
Accounting for Complex Financial Structures
Some families have complex financial structures like business ownership, trusts, and formal agreements that can add layers of intricacy to support calculations. Our attorneys have the experience to wade through these complexities effectively.
Suppose you or your co-parent owns a business. In that case, determining a fair support amount will require factoring in accurate business valuations, income streams, and cash flow to determine the most sustainable child support arrangement. Attempting to jeopardize any current business operations can result in an aftermath that negatively impacts your child’s future.
Additionally, our team can collaborate with estate planning attorneys to ensure your agreement aligns with existing trusts and estate plans. This attention can ensure adherence to your long-term financial goals for your children and keep your estate plan effective. In cases where prenuptial agreements exist, we can carefully review existing documentation to determine how they can impact the support calculations.
How We Achieve Favorable Outcomes
Our Los Angeles child support lawyers seek positive outcomes for our clients through our multi-faceted approach. We combine skilled negotiation tactics with strong legal capabilities to get you the results you deserve. Our team can ensure your satisfaction by focusing on key areas.
Client-Centered Negotiations
We do not cut corners with our clients. At Zitser Family Law Group, APCwe take the time to examine key elements like your unique financial situation, your child’s needs, and your long-term goals. With the information we gather, we can use a customized negotiation strategy to fight for a fair child support arrangement. We know your circumstances can evolve, and we factor this consideration into any negotiations we pursue.
The cost of private schooling, extracurricular activities, and potential future educational expenses are all important factors to consider when determining a proper plan for meeting your child’s needs.
Open Communication and Transparency
Our attorneys know that open communication and transparency are important to us and to our clients. We do not attempt to persuade our clients to be open about their goals and desires without providing them with the most transparent information we have available regarding their case.
Our team can inform you of all developments and the potential implications of proposed agreements. We can provide answers to all your questions. Our transparency can empower you to make informed decisions in the child support process.
Collaborative Problem-Solving
We are often not the only attorneys involved in child support cases. While we can represent you, your co-parent likely may have their own legal representation as well, seeking to advocate for their rights and interests. We have the skills to facilitate productive communication with the other party’s lawyer while ensuring your interests remain at the forefront of conversations.
Finding creative solutions to address both parties’ concerns and minimize conflict can be difficult, but our team is up to the challenge.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Child Support Amount in Los Angeles?
A: It’s difficult to determine the average child support amount in Los Angeles. California child support guidelines use a model that takes into account both parents’ incomes and the number of children they have, among other factors. Certain factors can hold more weight in cases involving individuals with much higher net worths than the average person.
High earnings or complicated financial situations often warrant a more individualized approach to determining child support. Mediation can be an important tool for determining a fair and sustainable agreement that prioritizes the child’s needs.
Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in California?
A: The cost of your child custody lawyer in California can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and location, along with the complexity of your case. Legal costs can also change depending on whether high-asset parents are involved, as your attorney will need to work through more significant financial complexities in these cases.
Generally, retainer or hourly rates are common, with some firms charging more for well-known or more reputable attorneys.
Q: How Far Back Can You Sue for Child Support in California?
A: In California, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue for child support retroactively. However, the time frame can differ. If you are in this situation, it can be wise to seek legal advice from a Los Angeles child support lawyer to better understand the limitations that apply to your situation.
Q: How Far Behind on Child Support Can You Be Before You Go to Jail in California?
A: A court may seek jail time for a parent behind on child support, but this is not always common. More frequent penalties include the loss of wages, liens against property, or other attempted punishments. Whether or not a court jails a parent depends on how severe the non-payment was and whether the parent could pay it.
If it seems the parent has the ability to easily pay and decides not to, this can be a cause for more severe action, but false allegations can also occur.
Contact Zitser Family Law Group
Whether you are expected to receive or pay child support, or you are looking to ratify a child support system already in place, contact a Los Angeles divorce lawyer with over 20 years of experience working with child support and similar cases by contacting our firm. Our team at the Zitser Family Law Group is experienced, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable of California state law, and ready to work for you and your interests. Reach out today to discuss your case.
