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 would like to thank the law office of Demetria Graves. You never know what life can throw at you, and contacting an attorney can be a sensitive time. When I first contacted the office, I was greeted by the staff with warmth and professionalism, and compassion. I appreciated this very much. In the event should I need legal services again, I will contact her office. Once again, thank you for the services regarding my case. - Amy Roberts- Amy Roberts
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At each of our meetings the interest Demetria took, coupled with the way she listened to my personal situation gave her the facts she needed to produce an excellent strategy that proved to be invaluable and ultimately brought us success in court. That was such a happy day for me. One that I have replayed in my mind time and time again. I would definitely, without hesitation, retain Demetria again if any situation arose in my life where I needed legal assistance because she is a brilliant attorney armed with an essence of quality, professionalism and who gets results! - Charlesetta M. Long- Charlesetta M. Long
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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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When I came to see Demetria for the first time, I was confused and scared. However, Demetria has always been honest and straightforward about what I should expect. Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly - and there are many! She truly has been a breath of sanity in a sea of Chaos. - Eliot Trainer- Eliot Trainer
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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 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 chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria! - Ton Nelson- Ton Nelson
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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
