Torrance Child Support Lawyer
Michael D. Shook, Attorney At Law, has represented families in child support cases since 1994. Trust him to put his decades of experience to work for you. Whether you are vying for adequate child support or want an attorney to advocate for a fair divorce settlement that involves child support, you can turn to him.
Attorney Shook offers affordable legal services and free initial consultations. These things combined make it easy for families who need representation to retain his services and reap the benefits of having a veteran of the Los Angeles County courts on their side. Are you interested in discovering how Torrance child support lawyer Michael D. Shook could assist you?
Call (310) 361-2977 to schedule a free case review.
California’s Child Support Guidelines
California law requires parents to financially support children until they graduate or turn 19, whichever happens first. For divorced couples, this means they must determine how to share financial responsibility. At times, couples can mutually agree on child support payments. In other cases, California courts must determine who pays child support and calculate how much they should pay.
Generally, the parent earning more money will be responsible for child support. The amount this parent must pay depends on the state’s guidelines.
The guidelines account for the following:
- The income of each parent.
- The amount of time either parent spends with the child or children.
- The tax history of each parent.
- Other factors a judge deems relevant.
When couples have more than one child, judges will typically multiply the base support payments for one child by incremental amounts. Parents might also have to pay for add-ons, which cover the costs of childcare and healthcare.
Changing a Child Support Amount
The parent who pays child support or receives it can request a modification.
Courts will grant these on occasions that include but are not limited to when:
- A parent loses a job.
- A parent becomes employed or gets a new job.
- Either parents’ family changes size.
- Either parent goes on deployment.
- Parents alter visitation or custody agreements.
To request a change in child support payments, a person must petition for it with a California court. Petitioning requires supporting documentation that can include financial records, employment records, the visitation or custody agreement, and other items that demonstrate a need for modification.
How to Apply for or Seek Child Support
Applying for child support during a divorce is relatively simple. All a person needs to do is include a request for support in their divorce filing. Additionally, they may seek temporary child support for the duration of the divorce process.
If no support order exists, a parent who needs child support can apply for it by submitting the state’s application for support services packet. Should a parent responsible for paying support fail to make payments, they can be held liable in court.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
When a parent fails to make court-ordered child support payments, it can cause financial strain and hardship for the custodial parent and the child. Our experienced Torrance child support lawyer can help you enforce child support orders to ensure that you receive the financial support your child is entitled to.
Methods of enforcing child support orders may include:
- Wage garnishment
- Seizure of tax refunds
- Driver’s license suspension
- Property liens
- Contempt of court charges
It is important to take action to enforce child support orders, and our legal team can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights in court if necessary. Contact us today to discuss your child support enforcement options.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Child Support?
While it is possible to secure child support or make a modification without a lawyer, there are many compelling reasons why retaining an attorney is advantageous. Navigating the legal processes can be overwhelming, especially for individuals unfamiliar with family law. A child support lawyer can provide guidance and support at every step, from understanding the necessary paperwork to representing their client's interests in court.
In addition to guidance and support, a family law attorney can advocate for clients in negotiations and protect the rights of themselves and their families. This may include anything from seeking support after a parent has missed payments to ensuring a divorce settlement includes a reasonable amount of child support.
Torrance child support lawyer Michael D. Shook is prepared to fight for what is fair for you and your family. Before you start your child support case, be sure to consult with him.
To schedule a free case review, call (310) 361-2977 or reach out online.