Children need to be provided with adequate financial support in order to thrive, and the court orders child support under the necessary circumstances when two parents are not living together. Support is ordered to help provide necessities for the child in accordance with the family’s standard of living, which include shelter, food and clothing. Child support orders are also crafted to cover educational and day care expenses, as well as health care costs not covered by insurance.

The court takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining how much child support is appropriate to help cover the child’s expenses. This includes how much income each parent makes as well as how much time each parent spends with the child.

Many child support litigants find it necessary to seek the counsel of an attorney if they feel one parent is not being truthful regarding his/her income. There are certain measures that can be taken to help ensure that a fair support amount if awarded. These measures include obtaining documents through discovery such as bank records, and imputing income on the parent by proving to the court what his/her true ability to earn is, regardless of it that parent is working or not.

Under California law, the parent paying child support typically continues unless there a change in circumstances, such as a change to the custody and visitation schedule. The parent making those payments typically must continue until the child turns eighteen, or until the child graduates from high school. A parent may also pay child support for longer if both parents agree to it in writing.

It is important to ensure that the court orders a fair amount of child support that is equitable for both parents and that can meet the needs of the children. If you are dealing with a child support issue and unsure how to proceed, contact Law Office of Elisabeth Donovan to speak with an experienced child support attorney.