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Child Support Attorney in Beverly Hills, CA
Beverly Hills Child Support Lawyers Willing to Fight for You and Your Family
Renowned for its luxury lifestyles and high-profile residents, such as actors, entertainers, and others involved in the Hollywood industry, Beverly Hills has seen many child support cases. Because of the demographics of the population, however, these support cases can be more complex than others, as they involve both substantial wealth and the need for privacy. If you find yourself in the midst of one of these cases, a Beverly Hills child support lawyer is essential.
At Benefield Faulk Law, our team of skilled attorneys has been working alongside families and their loved ones in many areas of family law for over 15 years. We understand just how difficult child support cases can be, so we can represent you in situations involving the complicated California support system. Whether you live on Rodeo Drive or in a quiet estate up in the Beverly Hills, our team can fight for your rights and the interests of your children.
When dealing with a divorce or separation, there is no denying the emotional and financial toll it can take on a family. During the process of ending the partnership, children and their well-being should be the top priority of any parent. Aside from legal custody, the matter of child support is one of the most sensitive and yet crucial legalities to navigate. Many parents have questions about how child support works and their rights, which is where an experienced child support lawyer comes in handy. With a focus on serving their client to reach the best financial outcome, a child support attorney acts on behalf of a parent in a court of law until the issue is settled.
Child Support Laws in California
In divorce or separation cases, child support is a frequent issue that can arise between two parents who share minor children. However, child support may also come up during paternity cases. Whatever the root cause of your child support case may be, the team at Benefield Faulk Law can represent you.
California operates under very strict child support rules and guidelines. These tend to be more unique when compared to other states in the nation. Some of the most important principles found in California child support guidelines include the following:
- In Beverly Hills, both parents have a mutual responsibility to provide for the financial well-being and needs of their children.
- In a divorce or separation, or when parents are no longer in a relationship with one another, the child’s standard of living should not suffer a drastic change when moving between households. This is a considerable factor in Beverly Hills support cases, as the median income for households in the area sits at $127,979.
- Child support can reasonably improve the standard of living for the child at the custodial home, thereby improving their overall life.
- Each parent, according to their ability, should pay for the necessary support of their children.
- It is assumed that, in Beverly Hills and California as a whole, the parent who has primary physical responsibility for their child will work to contribute a substantial amount of available financial support to provide for their children.
Calculating the Need for Beverly Hills Child Support
When the parents cannot make and agree upon this decision themselves, the amount of child support awarded in a legal case will be determined by a specific set of guidelines. These guidelines work to take into account several different factors, such as the income of both the individual parents and the amount of time each of those parents spends caring for their child.
Income from all sources will be taken into consideration by the courts when making their decision. This can come in the form of actual money, property, or services. Any income from wages, bonuses, or commissions will also be factored into these determinations.
When the couple cannot reach an agreement regarding child support themselves and must look to the courts to make this determination, the courts will take into consideration the following factors:
- The age of the child
- The employment history of both parents
- The income of both individual parents
- The terms of the custody agreement involved in the divorce, separation, or other paternity issue
- How long each parent cares for their child
- Any terms of visitation granted to the noncustodial parent or the one with a smaller percentage of physical custody
- How many children each parent has and cares for
If you are dealing with a child support case in Beverly Hills, whether as the parent seeking support or as the parent who may be liable to pay that support, our team can fight for your rights and protect the interests of your child.
Seeking Child Support Modifications in Beverly Hills
Both the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent can seek a modification of an existing child support order in Beverly Hills. However, to do so, the party must prove that they have experienced a substantial change in their life circumstances, which must be significant enough to warrant the modification. This can include:
- One or both parents have experienced a major change in income, whether in a positive or negative way.
- One of the parents has been sent to prison.
- One or both parents have lost their jobs.
- The custody schedule of the child has drastically changed.
- The needs of the child have changed, such as developing a severe medical condition.
While this list is not all-inclusive, the attorneys at Benefield Faulk Law can assist you with whatever child support modification you may be seeking.
What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?
A child support attorney guides you through the process of coming to a legal agreement between two parents regarding expected financial compensation from one parent to the other for living expenses related to the care of their child. Representing one parent in the case, child support lawyers will explain legal issues, give the client advice on the best way to proceed, and assist in calculating the requested child support payments. Overall, an experienced child support attorney will protect your rights, negotiate the terms, and represent you when the issue goes to court.
The matter of child support may not be a quick and easy one-time solution. Issues may arise beyond the initial court case and child support agreement. Parents may need to re-negotiate child support over time for many reasons, such as loss of income for the parent paying child support or an increased childcare cost. When a new need arises in the child support case, a child support attorney will help make the process easier to navigate from start to finish.
Do I Need a Child Support Lawyer?
While it may be tempting to forgo a child support attorney and attempt to negotiate on your own, the reasons to hire an attorney outweigh any reason to go it alone. One of the main reasons a parent chooses to hire a child support attorney is that the other parent has already sought the legal counsel of their own. This could be a sign of trouble ahead in terms of negotiating since that parent may not want to pay their fair share of childcare costs.
Another reason to hire an experienced child support attorney is if the divorce or child custody proceedings are tense or complicated. During an emotionally charged separation, navigating legal concerns without the help of lawyers could end up costing a parent more in child support payments or leave one parent receiving less than they should to financially care for their child.
Regardless of whether you are the parent receiving child support or the parent paying it, having knowledgeable child support lawyers on your side, if the other parent becomes uncooperative or combative, will help ensure someone is fighting for your best interests.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a child support attorney will depend on factors such as how complex or time-consuming the case may be. Some child support lawyers will charge a flat rate for the entirety of the case, while others may charge clients by the hour. You should discuss this with a Beverly Hills family law lawyer prior to hiring them.
They may also be able to offer information on the related fees of the court process. The cost of a child support lawyer varies, depending on the lawyer and the case, but the overall peace of mind of reliable legal counsel may make the cost worth it for any parent in the end.
Who Pays Child Support?
Technically, both parents are expected to contribute financially to the care of their child, but often the parent that the child primarily lives with will be entitled to child support from the parent the child does not live with. The child support amount is calculated using several factors, such as physical custody, overall financials of both parents, and the financial needs per child.
If custody agreements change or the financial status changes, then child support attorneys would be able to assist in calculating and re-negotiating the terms of the original child support obligations.
FAQs
What Is the Average Amount of a Child Support Payment in California?
It is difficult to estimate the average amount of child support payments in California, as there are often many variables involved in these cases. Nevertheless, the median amount received by custodial parents nationwide is about $1,800 a year. Thanks to the affluence and high salaries of people in Beverly Hills, however, this number is likely considerably higher.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
How much a child support lawyer might cost when retaining their services can vary. This is because each child support case is different, and so is the way in which each attorney structures their fees. However, some common factors can influence these costs, including the duration and complexity of your case and the experience of your lawyer.
What Are Some Examples of Unique or Extraordinary Expenses in a Child Support Case?
In Beverly Hills, some extraordinary or unique expenses are present that are not typically involved in traditional child support amounts. These expenses can include:
- Fees for private education or tutoring
- Support for traveling sports or after-school extracurriculars
- Payments for summer programs, such as dance camps or summer camps
- Expenses for treating certain illnesses or health conditions
What Should I Avoid Saying in a Child Support Case?
There are several things you will want to avoid speaking about during a child support case. These can include:
- Any statements that are defamatory against the other parent
- Any comments made that are disrespectful toward the judge assigned to your case
- Speaking badly about your co-parent to or in front of your children
Contact a Trusted Beverly Hills Child Support Lawyer Today
As a parent, there is nothing more important than the well-being of your child. We understand the complex nature of child support cases and how a legal professional can simplify the process. Contact us at (310) 271-7675 today so we can help you find the right outcome for your family.
