How accurate is your child support?

One of the most difficult issues to handle in a divorce is child support. Although there are great tools out there to calculate it yourself, it can be tricky. Many factors need to be considered in order to better determine the required level of support the non-custodial parent must provide. Some parents may think their financial responsibilities end with divorce but that’s not true. It’s illegal to withhold financial support from your children. A Thousand Oaks child support attorney can explain how child support laws may apply to your specific circumstances.

Calculate and enforce

Child support is calculated in the state of California just like in most states. Some common factors that are considered include:

• Each parent’s income
• Who gets the physical custody
• Medical expenses
• Child care costs

Although child support is paid to your ex, remember it’s actually beneficial to your child. You need to calculate a fair amount with the help of a Thousand Oaks child support attorney. Your income and your spouse’s income should be appropriately documented by someone familiar with these types of cases. Some attorneys can take a look at forensic accounts and hire other experts to determine an appropriate amount of child support. They can also help enforce child support when one of the parents is not responsible.

Modifications

Perhaps you are one of those parents who already calculated child support but you are not very happy with the calculations. If there was a substantial change of circumstances in your life or your ex’s you may want to consider hiring an attorney to request a child support modification. Some circumstances that may apply include:

• Unemployment or a new job opportunity – If you or your ex-spouse lost a job, you can’t afford the child support payments or perhaps you are earning more and would love to contribute more to your child’s future.
• More or less parenting time – If the child spends more time with you than what was originally planned. Or perhaps the other parent is not spending as much time with the child as planned. If this is your situation, you can request custody and child support modification.

Remember child support orders can be modified at any time as long as something significant occurred. If you become self-employed, for example, you may find it difficult to calculate your new income. This is why you need an attorney to help you figure it all out. Whatever you do, don’t hide your income or allow your ex-spouse to do so. If you suspect your ex is hiding income, you need to investigate the matter and ensure your children receive their fair share.

Your family goals

Child support calculations are not always accurate. The most important thing to consider is your family goals. Do you want your children to have a financially stable future? Are they enjoying the comfort every child deserves? These are questions you should answer with honesty and if you are not happy with the answers, do something to change your current circumstances. We are here to help you create a child support agreement that meets your family goals. Call us today and schedule your initial consultation with Thousand Oaks child support attorney Stephanie L. Mahdavi.