Child Support in California
Representation in Pasadena & Beverly Hills
When a child does not live with both of their parents, the court may have to step in to determine how responsibility of the child will be split up. Taking care of a child is both a right and a responsibility. Parents should be there for their children to make decisions regarding their upbringing as well as being there for emotional support. One aspect of raising a child which can bring with it complications is financial responsibility. Child support is often disputed following cases of divorce or legal separation. Child support is a court-ordered amount of money where the parent has to provide a monthly sum for the purpose of helping with the expenses of the child.
In order for child support to become a court order, paternity must first be established. If the parents were married at the time the child was born, paternity is assumed under law. If, however, the parents were not married, the situation could become more complicated. A declaration of paternity may need to be signed or a DNA test requested, depending on the unique case. Once this is done, the court can begin to order the support. These payments can continue from the time the child is born until they are 18. In some cases, this can increase to the age of 19 if they are still enrolled in high school.
How is child support determined?
How much support can be ordered for child support? There is no cookie-cutter answer for this question as there are several different factors which will affect the amount. First of all, the judge will examine how much money each parent earns or has the potential to learn. Every type of income they earn will be included in this as will the tax status of each parent. The judge will also take into consideration how many children the couple had together and how many children there are from other relationships. If one parent has sole physical custody of the children, this will also affect the support amount. The costs of raising the child (education, outside activities, healthcare, special needs, etc.) will also affect the case. The California court system also provides a child support calculator so that families can get a rough estimate of how much is owed.
The Graves Law Firm - Qualified Pasadena Divorce Firm
If you are a parent that is intending to divorce, contact an attorney from the office to discuss the laws pertaining to support. A skilled family lawyer can help you work out agreements with your ex-spouse on both a temporary and permanent basis, and provide skilled representation at your hearing.
The Graves Law Firm is a respected family law firm that provides advice and advocacy representation to clients seeking to legally end their marriage. The firm understands the special needs of divorcing parents, and will provide compassionate legal assistance throughout your case. The firm can help mediate custody agreements and child support if necessary, as well as provide dedicated representation at your hearing. They are committed to protecting your rights and interests, and can help you achieve your divorce goals.
Read what our past clients have to say about us
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I first made contact with the Law Offices of Demetria Graves back in a time where I needed advice and counsel in the most urgent and cost effective manner. I needed a strategy that could help me address my situation while supporting my budgetary challenges. I had solicited several firms prior to Demetria Graves and recognized rather quickly that she had the technical expertise I needed and was very reasonably priced. "Demetria has been very responsive and diligent in her actions to mitigate personal exposure on my part. She was very forthright in laying out the truth and reality associated with the process. Sometimes the truth in these situations isn't what you want to hear, but Demetria was very good a keeping it real and never sugar coating any personal exposure and/or financial commitments that will be imposed by the courts. For me the truth was essential and the truth is what clients can rely on from Demetria and her staff. "Because of Demetria's strategic approach to mitigating and minimizing my long-term damages, I am pleased to say I successfully got through the process and while I am committed to the financial support of another, I feel I was well represented and was able to weigh the options and make the right decision for my life moving forward. "Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases, while remembering the economics of it all. For this I am grateful and appreciative. It has allowed me to move on and begin a new chapter with brighter things to come. - Robert C. Harrelson- Robert C. Harrelson
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I cannot express enough my gratitude for the efforts made to my case. Demetria was truly attentive, patient and essentially was able to close my case with ease. I am very appreciative of her efforts and will most definitely call her should I need her services again. - John Williams- John Williams
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I came into Attorney Graves office as I imagine most do, at one of the worst times in my life. I was full of anger and questions, and I needed help. Demetria started answering my questions, and immediately helped me understand the process and the best ways to get through it. Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people. She was there to help me get the best results, and came through every time, including helping me retain custody of my three kids. I have already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so. - Brian Beck- Brian Beck
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I used Ms. Graves services for my divorce last year and I found her and her staff to be very efficient. Sometimes when I was worried about something she would calm me down and say that everything was going to be OK. She was right every time. I would recommend her to anyone. She is a very good lawyer! Sabrina, her assistant, is great at responding quickly when you have a question. Thank you both for your services! - Sandra Castaneda- Sandra Castaneda
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I went to the Law office of Demetria Graves to discuss a unique and somewhat embarrassing situation regarding child support. Ms Graves sat down with me and took the time to fully understand my problem. Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case. - Anonymous- Anonymous
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I have a small girl whom I've been completely involved with since her birth, despite her mother and I having never been married. We had a mutual agreement that the courts never needed to be involved, and everything would be 50/50. But eventually she filed for full custody, demanding I see my little girl 2 days a month. All this after 3 years without incident. Frankly, I was scared. She had retained an attorney, but I could not afford one. We ultimately came to an agreement which held briefly. I thought my child was residing out of town with her mother for 4 months, when in fact, she was only 12 minutes away. At this point I immediately asked a friend in the law field for help. That friend came up with Demetria L. Graves. Upon meeting Ms. Graves, I was immediately impressed with her demeanor. Previous potential counselors were unnecessarily "cut-throat." One went as far as to say "I'll get you full custody and MAKE her pay you support. We'll stick it to her!" This coming from a lawyer at a large and well-to-do firm. Demetria asked me what I wanted, as opposed to telling me what to do just to get even. She understood my position and respected it. Demetria also never hesitated to tell me when my approach to the situation was wrong. She moved quickly and her assistant, Sabrina, kept me informed every step of the way, via phone, email, and mail. Access to her newsletter led me to hold Demetria in even higher regard as a person truly dedicated to their field and wanting to help others understand it. I now have joint custody of my little girl, with equal time/expenses shared. All I wanted was fair treatment for my Baby Girl, which is; both parents in her life. I have, and will continue to refer Demetria Graves to anyone in need of counsel. - Crescen Bacon- Crescen Bacon
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I was going through a difficult time financially and was unsure about filing bankruptcy partly because of the complexity of it and mainly because of the social ramifications of doing so. Working with both Sabrina and Demetria was great! When there was something I didn't understand (even if they had to repeat themselves on numerous occasions), I was always treated with both respect and patience as they explained what it was I didn't grasp. I was even encouraged to meet Demetria so as to sit down and answer any final questions before she filed my paperwork. Even after the BK was discharged, they encouraged me to call if I had any more questions - which I did. They are a class-act to follow. I highly recommend anyone, who is contemplating filing a bankruptcy, to give their office a call and consult with Demetria so as to explore your options. It will be one of the most important phone calls in your financial life! - LS- LS
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank Demetria for the excellent work I received from her firm. When I first came to her office with my child custody case, I was distraught and afraid of what was to come in the months ahead. She was considerate and compassionate and best of all she gave me hope, which I had not received from any other attorney. I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm. - Aurora- Aurora
