Child Support Modifications

Southern California Child Support Lawyer

When a child is being raised by a single parent or by parents who no longer live together, child support is a fact of life. Following a divorce or paternity action, child support is ordered to ensure the child has everything to be properly cared for - food, shelter, medical care, etc. However, the original child support order is not adequate to remain the same forever. There are occasionally circumstances that require a modification of the existing court order.

If you have questions about amending child support, contact our family law attorney at the Law Offices of John A. Balent.

If the other parent got a new job with higher pay or you suddenly become unemployed, the existing child support order may need to be increased or decreased. However, child support orders are not automatically reviewed and modified when there is a change. It is necessary for one of the parents to request a review for modification of child support.

Upon formal request, the Department Child Support Services (DCSS) will review the current situation for changes:

• Did one parent get a pay increase?
• Did one parent get a pay decrease?
• Did the child custody order get modified?
• Did visitation get increased or decreased?

After reviewing the changes, a new child support order may be issued. As with the original order, child support guidelines will dictate how child support will be determined/modified (using both parents' income, amount of time spent with the child, and other factors, such as daycare expenses in the calculation).

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

We also help clients with child support enforcement. Whether you are the parent receiving support and need to initiate a contempt action with the court for enforcement or are the parent ordered to pay support and have questions about your arrears, we can help.

Legal Help with Child Support Modifications in California

If you have questions about child support modifications or would like to discuss your situation with an experienced and straightforward family law attorney, we can assist you. Contact our Brea, California, law firm for a free initial consultation with attorney John A. Balent.