Valencia Child & Spousal Support Lawyers
Competence & Care for Clients in Valencia & Santa Clarita Valley
Child and spousal support are critical components of California family law. They directly impact the financial stability and well-being of the parties involved. Furthermore, children have a right to financial support from both parents during and after divorce.
Spousal support also helps maintain a dependent spouse's standard of living during and after a divorce, allowing them to transition more smoothly to financial independence. The fair determination and enforcement of these supports can alleviate financial hardships and reduce disputes, fostering a more amicable post-divorce relationship between the parties.
However, these issues can become contentious, requiring the services of a trusted attorney. In these cases, the parties involved need to understand their rights and responsibilities, the laws regarding them, and how courts determine these financial payments.
At Jackman Law, P.C., our firm can help you seek or contest fair support payments under California law. You and your spouse can negotiate your own terms outside of court. As long as they meet legal requirements, they will likely be approved by the court. We can guide you through the process of determining support obligations per California law and take your case to court when agreements cannot be reached.
Arrange for a free initial consultation with a Valencia child and spousal support attorney at Jackman Law, P.C.. Call (661) 990-9651 or contact us online. We serve clients through the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and Valencia.
What Happens When You Choose To Work With Jackman Law, P.C.?
Navigating the complexities of alimony can be daunting, especially during emotionally charged times. Understanding the process can empower you to make informed decisions that align with your financial future.
Here’s what you can expect you choose to speak with an alimony attorney at our firm:
- Initial Consultation: Our experienced attorneys will meet with you to discuss your unique situation, gather relevant information, and outline potential strategies.
- Determining Alimony Amount: Factors such as the length of the marriage, financial needs, and the standard of living during the marriage will be considered to determine a fair alimony amount.
- Negotiation: Our skilled negotiators will advocate on your behalf to reach a settlement that meets your needs, whether through mediation or direct negotiations.
- Modification and Enforcement: Circumstances can change, and we can help you understand how to modify existing alimony agreements or enforce them if necessary.
At Jackman Law, P.C., our team is committed to providing compassionate guidance throughout the entire process, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way. At your earliest convenience, schedule your consultation and take the first step forward.
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Client-Focused Care
We know how important your case is to you, so we tailor our strategies to focus on your specific needs and goals.
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Offering Related Services
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With You at Every Step
Our dedicated team of compassionate legal advocates will walk through the legal process with you from start to finish.
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With our commitment to transparency and communication, you'll never be left wondering where your case stands.
How Is Child Support Determined in Valencia, CA?
California Family Code Sections 3900-4253 cover the rules and guidelines for child support. The law mandates that both parents are responsible for supporting their child financially. This support should cover the cost of raising the child and seeing that their daily needs are met, including essentials such as housing, education, and healthcare.
The amount of child support is typically determined using a statewide guideline formula, which considers factors such as:
- The income of both parents
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child (custodial time)
- Tax filing status and deductions
- Health insurance costs
- Support obligations from other relationships
The goal is to ensure children receive consistent and fair support reflecting their parents' financial situation. The court determines support obligations per the guidelines, although deviations can be made in certain circumstances.
These deviations are typically considered case-by-case when the standard calculation does not adequately address the child’s needs or parental circumstances. Deviations can be sought through the court for situations such as a parent’s financial hardship, agreements between parents for a different amount, a significant disparity in living standards between the two households, or other circumstances.
Spousal Support in California
California Family Code Section 4320 covers how spousal support is established. Spousal support, also known as alimony, is not automatic in a California divorce. It must be requested during the divorce proceedings. It is typically awarded to provide financial assistance to a lower-earning spouse during and after the divorce.
Two types of spousal support are available in California:
- Temporary: This is provided during the divorce process to maintain the status quo and ensure that both parties can manage their living expenses.
- Permanent: Although "permanent" is used, this type of support is usually awarded for a limited duration post-divorce, depending on the length of the marriage and other factors.
Factors Used to Determine Spousal Support
Many factors may be considered by the courts to determine spousal support, such as:
- Length of the marriage: Generally, the longer the marriage, the longer the duration of spousal support.
- Standard of living: The court looks at the standard of living established during the marriage and aims to maintain a similar standard for both parties post-divorce.
- Earning capacity: Each spouse's ability to earn income is reviewed. This can include their skills, the job market for those skills, and the time and expense required for education or training to develop those skills.
- Contributions to the marriage: Contributions by one spouse to the other spouse's education, training, or career advancement can impact this issue.
- Age and health: Both parties' age and physical and emotional health can impact the support decision.
- Financial needs and obligations: Each spouse's financial needs and obligations, including debts and assets, are considered.
- Ability to pay: The paying spouse's ability to provide support, considering their earning capacity, assets, and standard of living, is a significant factor.
- Child care responsibilities: The impact of child care responsibilities on a spouse's ability to work may be a critical factor.
- Tax consequences: Tax implications of spousal support for both parties can impact the support determination.
- Domestic violence: Documented evidence of domestic violence by either spouse can influence the support decision.
- Hardships: Any hardships experienced by either party that might affect their financial situation.
- Goal of self-support: The goal is for the supported party to become self-supporting within a reasonable period, typically half the length of the marriage for marriages under ten years.
These factors help the court determine the amount, duration, and terms of spousal support.
What Are the Consequences of Falling Behind on Spousal Support Payments?
When spousal support payments fall behind schedule, it can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. For the recipient, it may result in financial strain, while for the payer, it could lead to legal action.
If you're the recipient, you have several enforcement options. You can file a motion with the court to enforce the support order, which may result in wage garnishment, liens on the payer's property, or even contempt of court charges. If circumstances have changed significantly, you might also seek a modification of the support order.
For the payer, falling behind on spousal support can lead to accumulating arrears, which are legally enforceable debts. If you're struggling to make payments due to a change in financial circumstances, it's crucial to act promptly by filing a petition to modify the support order. This can help avoid enforcement actions and additional penalties.
Both parties should maintain open communication and consider mediation or legal counsel to address any changes in circumstances or disputes, ensuring that the support arrangement remains fair and manageable. Consulting with an experienced divorce or family law attorney near you in Santa Clarita can provide tailored advice and facilitate a resolution that aligns with legal obligations and personal circumstances.
For experienced guidance, speak with a child support attorney in Santa Clarita at Jackman Law, P.C. during a consultation. Contact us online or call (661) 990-9651.
How We Can Help in Child & Spousal Support Determinations
At Jackman Law, P.C., we have extensive knowledge of California family law and how the courts operate regarding child support and alimony. We can carefully review your situation, whether you are seeking or contesting a support obligation, to help you secure a fair outcome.
Our personalized approach allows us to tailor our strategies and vigorously advocate for you in negotiations or court. We work to make these support obligations fit your specific needs and circumstances and to make these known and considered by the courts.
Reach us at (661) 990-9651 or online to consult a Valencia child and spousal support attorney about your case.
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"Approachable, Smart & Caring"
I talked to Attorney Jackman about my case. I found him very approachable, smart and caring. He wants results as much as you do. He is a bright man and a brilliant future in front of him.- Former Client -
"Efficient & Empathetic"
I recently worked with Jackman Law for my divorce. Ryan is an amazing attorney, family man, and he and his associates handled everything with precision. Professional, efficient, and empathetic— I highly recommend!- Kevin F.