Laguna Hills Child Support Lawyer

In many instances, child support issues can be overwhelming, financially exhausting, complicated, and emotionally draining. This is especially true when parents disagree over terms. In these situations, you might find that consulting a Laguna Hills child support lawyer can be advisable.

About Us

A Laguna Hills child support attorney is on your side. They want to help you secure a favorable child support agreement between both parents. At Cianci Law, PC, we can work towards establishing an agreement that puts your child’s needs first while helping fairly balance each parent’s responsibilities.

Attorney Melissa Cianci is a Certified Family Law Specialist by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and has decades of experience helping families like yours.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is meant to help pay for your child’s or children’s living expenses. The law requires both parents to support their children, but child support is usually paid to the parent who is predominantly taking care of the children.

Based on the US Census Bureau 2023 report, custodial parents received about $20.2 billion in cash child support payments. In addition, about 2.7 million custodial parents received non-cash child support. This was given in the form of diapers, groceries, clothes, child care, medical expenses, and more. 

When parents cannot come to an agreement surrounding the amount that should be paid, the California Court gets involved and issues what is known as a child support order. This order outlines what needs to be paid and to whom. Usually, child support ends when your child turns 18, unless they are still in school, and then the age is 19. 

When Should You Seek Child Support?

There are many situations that call for considering beginning child support case proceedings. Usually, individuals consider child support proceedings during a divorce or legal separation, or when unmarried after paternity has been established. You might also want to look into speaking with an attorney about child support when an ex-partner is refusing to pay or spends less than 50% of their time with your child.

How Child Support Is Determined

If you and your child’s mother or father can agree on a child support arrangement that you both believe to be fair, you can submit it to court for approval. Unfortunately, most child support cases involve some sort of dispute, which is why hiring a Laguna Hills child support attorney is a good idea.

If you and your ex cannot agree, a California court will need to become involved and calculate support according to the California Guideline Calculation Formula.

This formula takes into account the specifics of your family dynamic, including the amount of time a parent spends with their child, the gross income of you and your ex, both parents’ tax filing statuses, and child care costs.

If you work with an attorney, they can help you gather accurate information on these points. They can also help you understand the calculation and what it may be, and help you fight for monetary support to be fairly set.

How Visitation Affects Child Support

In California, you need to understand that visitation directly influences child support calculations. What this means is that the amount of time each parent spends with their child is part of the statewide guideline formula. Even small deviations in schedule can affect how child support is calculated. At our firm, we take this into account to help you ensure your schedules reflect reality and support fair financial outcomes.

When Should Child Support Be Modified?

Even if you already have a child support order in place, and it was fair when set, circumstances can change. If you’re dealing with the reality that the child support you’re receiving isn’t covering the costs for your child, there is a chance you can request that the order be modified.

Usually, acceptable reasons for modification for California courts are when a parent’s income has changed, a parent has been incarcerated, the time share in the custody agreement has changed, or when a child’s needs have evolved.

Our team understands the intricacies of child support modifications and can steer you in the right direction towards gaining approval. We can help with gathering evidence and presenting your case before a judge.

FAQs

How Long Does It Typically Take to Resolve a Child Support Case?

How long your child custody case takes to resolve will usually depend on facts like how complex the case is, the court scheduling, and how cooperative both parents are. Usually, when everything aligns, cases can be resolved in a few months, but it can take longer, so speaking with a lawyer can help you find out on which side of the spectrum your case falls.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support in California?

A lawyer is not strictly required for child support arrangements in Laguna Hills, California, but hiring one is usually recommended. This is because a lawyer can help with the complex calculations and legal procedures surrounding child support. An attorney can also offer a more personalized legal strategy that improves your likelihood of successfully securing child support.

What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

The biggest mistake you as a parent can make in a custody battle is alienating the other parent. Alienation includes speaking badly about your ex, badmouthing your ex to your child or on social media, or unfairly refusing visitation. Most courts view these actions as detrimental to your child, and this can make it incredibly difficult for you in your custody battle. 

What Is the 3 Parent Law in California?

California is unique in that it has a ‘3-parent law’ which stems from Senate Bill 274 (2013). This law allows a California Court to legally recognize more than two parents. This is usually only the case if it’s within your child’s best interests, taking into account non-traditional families. In these situations, establishing child support can be tricky, and hiring an attorney is usually advisable.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer Today – Creative Family Solutions

Child support laws aren’t the easiest to understand, and situations can be volatile and stressful, which is why having an attorney on your side can give peace of mind. An attorney will work alongside you to fight for financial security for your child.

At Cianci Law, PC, our team of Laguna Hills lawyers is committed to limiting conflict and providing support through negotiation and transparent communication. Whether you need help with creating a new child support order or need to amend an existing one, we’re on your side and can discuss your needs during an obligation-free meeting.

Laguna Hills Child Support Lawyer Reviews