Child support matters in California can be emotionally challenging and legally complicated. Whether you are seeking to establish child support, modify existing orders, or enforce payment, you first need to understand your rights under the law. Child support in Irvine follows California’s strict guidelines, which can be difficult to understand on your own, which is why retaining an experienced lawyer is essential for both you and your child.
With one of the Irvine child support lawyers at Pinkham & Associates on your side, you can more confidently advocate for a fair child support arrangement. While you can make a case in family court on your own, it is best to seek legal help. Having knowledgeable legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
How Child Support Works in Irvine
Both parents are responsible for supporting their child after separation. Typically, the custodial parent is the one who receives child support, but ultimately, child support is determined by the financial situations of both parents.
The child support process in Irvine typically follows the steps below. While a case can deviate from the steps below, most cases will adhere to this general framework:
- You File an Initial Petition – You file a petition to receive child support with the court.
- The Other Parent is Served – The other parent will be served with your petition and have their chance to respond.
- You Both Provide Financial Documentation – Both parents provide financial disclosures so the court can more accurately determine child support.
- There is a Negotiation of the Terms – Lawyers representing each parent will negotiate for fair child support terms. In the meantime, the court will likely order temporary child support arrangements before final arrangements can be made.
- There May Be a Hearing for a Final Order – If out-of-court arrangements cannot be made, the case will be taken to court. Whether negotiations settle in or out of court, the final orders will be issued by a judge.
During the negotiation phase, both parents must come to a fair agreement on how child support will be paid. Unfair arrangements can lead to financial issues down the road. With an Irvine child support attorney by your side, you have a better chance of securing a fair child support order.
Common Causes for Child Support Disputes in Irvine
Child support disputes in Irvine can develop for many reasons. While every family’s situation is unique, three issues tend to come up most often.
Income Changes or Unreported Earnings
Differences in reported income are one of the most common sources of conflict. Sometimes these discrepancies happen for legitimate reasons, such as job loss, reduced hours, or unexpected financial setbacks. In other cases, one parent may underreport earnings or fail to disclose certain assets, which can lead to child support orders that don’t reflect their true financial situation.
If your income has changed for reasons outside your control, a child support attorney in Irvine can help you request a proper adjustment. And if you believe the other parent is not accurately reporting their finances, a child support lawyer can investigate and work to ensure support is based on their full, actual income.
Child support calculations depend heavily on how much time each parent spends with the child. When parenting schedules are informal, inconsistent, or disputed, it can lead to disagreements about what the timeshare percentage should be.
A lawyer can help document parenting time, clarify each parent’s responsibilities, and ensure the support calculation reflects the real arrangement.
Non-Payment and Enforcement Problems
Some parents fall behind on support due to genuine financial hardship, but even then, they must follow the legal process to request a modification. Others simply fail to pay without taking the necessary steps to update their obligations.
If you’re dealing with missed payments, an attorney can help enforce the existing order, seek penalties if appropriate, and work toward getting the support your child is owed.
How Can an Irvine Child Support Attorney Help Me?
Our Irvine child support attorneys can help you by:
- Accurately calculating your child support expenses
- Assisting you in gathering all relevant evidence
- Helping you modify or enforce an existing child support order
- Representing your best interests at all times, whether in court or during negotiations with the other parent’s attorneys
Retaining a lawyer can make all the difference in a child support case. For the best chance at fair negotiations, it is best to get in touch with our team as soon as possible.
Get Help with Your Child Support Case Today
The outcome of your child support case can have significant impacts on you as a parent, your child, and your financial situation, which makes hiring a lawyer an essential part of the process in protecting your rights and ensuring that your agreement is fair. For over 25 years, Pinkham & Associates has helped parents in Irvine with their child support matters. For a free consultation, contact us today to schedule your appointment.
