Child Support Attorneys in Livermore, California

Divorce proceedings can be stressful, or even overwhelming, for everyone involved. Whether it be finances, property distribution, or alimony, a divorce is never simple. An even more contentious and emotional topic in a divorce is child support. Divorce fundamentally affects a child’s living environment, and child support payments can bring back a degree of normalcy for the child. California has a fairly high cost of living, and working out a fair child support arrangement prevents children from becoming victims.

At Crumpley & Crumpley PC, our family law attorneys have helped many clients protect their rights in issues of child support. If you are involved in a divorce or need help with a paternity or child support modification proceeding, we are here to provide experienced advice and strong representation. We are proud to represent clients in Livermore, California, as well as Walnut Creek, Danville, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Hayward, the Castro Valley, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and the rest of the state.

Child Support in California

To determine child support, the state of California follows guidelines that take several factors into consideration. State law takes into account the following:

• Both parents’ incomes

• Expenses related to their jobs

• Number of children who will be supported by the payments

• Existing time-sharing arrangements

• Whether one parent pays child support from a previous relationship

• Health insurance/vision/dental expenses for the child

• Any mandatory financial contributions of the parents

• Tax liabilities

• Any other relevant costs, such as child care costs needed to advance the parents’ training, education, or employment

Courts have other ways of determining and enforcing child support. If there is evidence that a parent could earn a certain amount of money but takes steps to reduce their income to avoid paying child support, a court will calculate child support based on this. Essentially, courts can refuse to accept that a parent’s income has changed and require them to pay support based on their prior income or earning potential. This is known as imputed income.

Child Support Modifications

Even when child support is set, circumstances can—and often do—change. Changes in child support orders are typically made when there has been an official "change in circumstances" that necessitates altering the child support order. There are a number of events that spark this modification, but the most common are usually:

• When the income of one or both parents changes

• A parent is sent to jail

• A parent loses a job

• A parent has a child from another relationship

• The medical or physical needs of the child have changed

Whenever there is a change in circumstances like those listed above, the person must notify the appropriate family court immediately so that the child support can be modified.

Termination of Child Support

Just as a change in circumstances can modify an existing child support order, certain instances call for the complete termination of child support. Notably, only the court can terminate child support, which usually happens under certain conditions or milestones, such as when:

• The child turns 18 years of age and is not enrolled in high school full-time

• The child turns 19 years of age or graduates high school

• The child passes away before the age of 18 years

• The child gets legally married or registers a domestic partnership

• The child joins the military

• The child becomes legally emancipated

After the obligation ends, parents can mutually agree to terminate child support payments. Sometimes, parents of disabled adult children who cannot support themselves can work out an arrangement to support their adult children.