Child Support Lawyer Manhattan Beach, CA
Realizing that your relationship with your partner is ending can be difficult in itself. If you have children together, then you may need to negotiate the terms of child support. Regardless of the relationship deteriorating between the father and mother, parents have an obligation to support their children financially. If you are currently in the process of filing for divorce, you must know that the court’s decision will focus on what is in the best interest of the child and their needs. At Skarin Law Group, our team has represented parents going through challenging times for more than 15 years. Our Manhattan Beach, CA child support lawyer understands that you may be experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. This is normal, as your former way of life is likely to change. Rest assured that our team is ready to offer support as soon as we hear from you.
How Child Support is Calculated
The family court system calculates child support amounts by following standard state guidelines. However, the court has the power to stray from or waive such guidelines if the child has special needs or the parent has unique circumstances that suggest a different arrangement is required. If you and the other parent are not married, the court will issue an order for support payments with the intention to provide the custodial parent with resources to care for the child. In most situations, calculating child support payments is based on the income of both parents and how much time the child spends at the residence of each parent. If you have further questions about child support payments, contact our knowledgeable child support attorney at your next convenience.
Navigating Divorce Disputes
There are many topics that you will have to navigate amidst divorce. You may have to discuss child custody, child support, alimony, debt and asset division, and who will remain in the family home, among others. When it comes to child support, disputes may arise regarding payment of a nanny or care provider who may perform services in addition to day care, such as after-hour care and housekeeping. There may also be a disagreement over the desire of a parent to stay at home with the young child and continue doing so, which may necessitate additional spousal or child support because of the lack of income. If you are going through a divorce or child care dispute of some kind, we suggest speaking with our team as soon as possible for help.
Skarin Law Group
Our team at Skarin Law Group consists of Matthew Skarin, Anni A. Aslanian, Erin Brown, and Maya Galicia-Canto. We understand the nuances of family law cases and can assist you with divorce, legal separation, child visitation, paternity, parental rights, prenups, child custody, and spousal support. You can trust that our services are of quality and compassion at such a troublesome time. Let our Manhattan Beach child support attorney come to your side and guide you through the next steps. We hope to hear from you when you are ready.
How To Prepare For A Child Support Hearing
Your Manhattan Beach, CA child support lawyer can help you through your child support hearing. At Skarin Law Group, we have 16 years of experience assisting our clients with their child support and child custody cases. Now, it’s time to use our knowledge of family law to help you. Read on to see how you can prepare for your child support hearing, and contact us today to get started.
- Gather Financial Documentation
Start by compiling all relevant financial documents. This includes recent pay stubs, tax returns from the past two to three years, and documentation of other income sources. Also, gather evidence of your expenses, such as childcare, education costs, health insurance, and any special needs of your children. Having a clear and organized financial record will help demonstrate your current financial status accurately during the hearing.
- Understand The Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with your state’s child support guidelines. These guidelines dictate how child support is calculated and what factors are considered, such as each parent’s income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. Understanding these guidelines will help you anticipate the likely amount of support to be ordered and prepare any arguments if the expected figures differ from what you believe is fair.
- Prepare Your Statement
You might be asked to make a statement during the hearing. Prepare this in advance to make sure you cover all critical points without leaving anything important out. Focus on why the amount of child support requested is necessary for the well-being of your children, or why the amount proposed by the other party is unreasonable, depending on your position.
- List Any Special Considerations
If there are special considerations that might affect child support calculations, such as a child with special needs, higher education expenses, or significant travel expenses for visitation, make a list of these. Be ready to discuss how these impact your financial situation and why they should be taken into account.
- Practice Your Responses
You may be questioned by the other parent’s representative or the judge. Practice answering potential questions calmly and clearly. Focusing on factual answers and avoiding emotional responses will help keep the hearing professional and focused on the important issues.
- Consult With Your Support System
Discuss your case with someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional from Skarin Law Group. Your Manhattan Beach child support lawyer can offer you support, help you practice your statement and responses, and provide feedback to improve your delivery.
- Plan Your Day
Remember where the hearing will be held, the time it starts, and how to get there. Plan to arrive early to allow yourself time to settle and review your notes. Dress appropriately for court, which typically means business or business casual attire, to show respect for the process.
Contact Us Today To Get Started
If you’re preparing for a child support hearing and feeling unsure about the process, Skarin Law Group is here to help. We provide guidance and representation properly defend your rights, and the wellbeing of your children. Contact us today, and see how a Manhattan Beach child support lawyer from our office can help.
More Common Child Custody Questions In Manhattan Beach
Child custody cases often bring up many questions for parents and family members involved. Whether you’re in the midst of a new custody agreement or dealing with an ongoing issue, having the right information is key to protecting your child’s well-being. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions as Manhattan Beach, CA child custody lawyer to help guide you through the process.
Do I Need A Lawyer If We Agree On Custody Arrangements?
While it’s possible to handle custody agreements without a lawyer if both parents agree, having a lawyer can still be helpful. A lawyer will work on an agreement that is legally sound, fair, and in your child’s best interests. They can also help you file the necessary paperwork with the court and address any future modifications if circumstances change. It is in all parties best interest that the arrangement is clear and enforceable, even when both parties are in agreement.
How Does Child Custody Work If Parents Live In Different States?
When parents live in different states, child custody can become more complicated. Typically, the state where the child has lived for the last six months has jurisdiction over the case. This means that any custody agreements or modifications must be handled by the court in that state. However, both parents will still have the opportunity to be heard in court, even if they live in different locations.
How Do Courts Determine The Best Interests Of The Child?
Courts always prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. This includes factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to provide a safe and supportive environment, and the child’s emotional and physical needs. In some cases, the court may also take the child’s preferences into account, particularly if the child is older. Judges want to maintain stability for the child while promoting a positive relationship with both parents whenever possible.
What Happens If One Parent Violates The Custody Agreement?
If one parent violates the custody agreement, the other parent can take legal action to address the situation. Violations can include anything from refusing to allow scheduled visitation to moving the child without permission. If this happens, the affected parent can file a complaint with the court, and the judge may enforce the original agreement, modify it, or impose penalties on the parent who violated it. Working with a lawyer can help you understand your options and take the right steps to resolve the issue.
Can Grandparents Get Custody Or Visitation Rights?
Yes, under certain circumstances, grandparents can seek custody or visitation rights. Courts will consider whether granting custody or visitation to a grandparent is in the best interests of the child. For example, if both parents are unable to care for the child, a grandparent may be granted custody. In other cases, grandparents may be awarded visitation rights if they have a strong, established relationship with the child and it benefits the child to maintain that bond. A child custody lawyer can guide grandparents through the legal process and their specific case if they wish to pursue custody or visitation.
At Skarin Law Firm, we are here to help families in handle child custody matters with care and professionalism. If you have questions about your case or need help with a child custody issue, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today and schedule a consultation to learn how we can assist you.
