Orange County Child Support Lawyer

Orange County Child Support Attorney

People face complex emotional challenges when handling child support situations in California, especially in Orange County. Although the county is home to Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm, life is not all fun and games, and marriages often end in dissolution. Any situation related to child support orders requires the experience and empathy of a skilled Orange County child support lawyer.

Why Choose Us?

Every case at Engels-Janzen benefits from our combination of professional knowledge and personal experience. The combination of Christopher Engels’ construction background and his personal experience with divorce enables him to fully understand our clients’ real-world challenges.

Sean Janzen provides strategic insights and powerful advocacy using his extensive civil litigation experience in both state and federal courts. Our firm remains dedicated to delivering individualized service while ensuring transparent communication and unyielding efforts to achieve positive results for our clients.

Understanding Child Support in California

In fiscal year 2024, Child Support Services in Orange County opened 6,340 new cases; 52% of parents paying child support earn below the minimum wage, which shows the financial strains many may face; 57% of paying parents have their employers identified for wage garnishment, but payment inconsistencies occur because the remaining parents make payments on their own.

California law requires both parents to provide financial support to their children. The parent who spends less time with the child usually pays child support to the custodial parent. Several aspects guide the decision on child support payments, including both parents’ income levels as well as the time they spend with the child, and any special requirements the child may have.

How Child Support is Calculated

California uses a uniform statewide formula for child support calculation to maintain fairness and uniformity in every case. Both parents must contribute equally financially to support their child based on their individual payment capacities and the child’s unique requirements. Factors taken into account when calculating child support include:

• Both parents’ gross income
• The amount of time each parent spends with the child
• Health insurance premiums, union dues, any additional deductions
• Additional expenses, such as healthcare, education costs, and special needs

Modifying Child Support Arrangements

The unpredictability of life requires your child support plan to match your present circumstances. A parent in California can legally request to change a child support order if they demonstrate a significant change in circumstances. Modifications receive court approval when they are reasonable and serve the child’s best interests. Engels-Janzen assists clients in determining the appropriateness of modifications and provides legal guidance throughout the entire process.

Some common reasons to modify a child support arrangement include:

• Income changes. When either parent experiences job loss or gains a promotion or new employment, this causes significant changes in their earnings.
• Changes in custody or visitation. Changes to the schedule that determine how much time each parent spends with their child are a major factor in child support.
• Medical attention. A parent or child experiences health problems that create financial difficulties.
• Incarceration. The parent serving time in prison cannot generate income anymore.

Some people may request a modification if one of the parents remarries. While remarriage (or cohabitation with a partner) does not automatically justify a child support modification, certain things may be taken into account in these circumstances, such as needing to support additional children in the new relationship.

Deviating From the Child Support Agreement

California’s child support guidelines aim to ensure equitable treatment across cases, but exceptions exist where strict application of these rules may fail to serve justice properly. The court can choose to depart from standard child support calculations when valid reasons support it as beneficial for the child’s well-being. Some common acceptable reasons to deviate from the agreement include:

• Both parents have agreed on a different amount and have fulfilled the legal requirements to do so
• One parent makes a significantly high income that would exceed the amount needed for the child
• Abnormally high additional expenses (such as medical bills) that would normally not be factored into calculations
• Both parents have shared custody but have drastically different incomes
• One parent has encountered severe financial hardship

Local support systems provide assistance to families working through complex situations. Orange County Child Support Services manages enforcement and modification of orders, and First 5 Orange County delivers family programs to aid children’s health and development.

FAQs

Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?

Working with a child support lawyer proves to be very helpful when your case includes disputes about income levels, child custody arrangements, or adjustments to existing orders. An attorney possesses knowledge of the legal system while protecting your rights and presenting your case effectively. A lawyer assists in preventing expensive errors while negotiating equitable resolutions for yourself and your child.

What Is the Average Child Support Payment for One Child in California?

Child support payments in California depend on multiple factors, such as parental income levels, time spent with each parent, and special requirements of the child. The state establishes a standardized formula to calculate support payments, yet modifies the final amount according to the unique details present in each individual case.

What State Is the Hardest on Child Support?

Certain states maintain strict child support enforcement by implementing aggressive collection techniques and applying severe punishments to those who fail to pay. In many states, timely child support payments are essential, and they implement wage garnishment systems along with license suspensions and potential jail time in extreme cases. Different jurisdictions employ various enforcement techniques, which makes knowledge of local laws necessary.

What Not to Say in Child Support Court?

In child support court, steer clear of unfounded emotional claims about your support obligations and avoid stating that payments are burdensome unless you can back your statements with solid evidence. Maintaining respect while referencing facts helps concentrate efforts on what benefits the child. The court may view your credibility as diminished if you speak negatively about your co-parent or seem uncooperative.

Contact Engels-Janzen Today

Child support agreements do not have to be a frightening experience. You can approach this legal process with advocacy, knowledge, and confidence with the help of an attorney at Engels-Janzen. Contact us today to begin fighting for your rights and advocating for your child’s best interests.