Child support is a court-ordered obligation that parents have to support their children financially. It is essential for ensuring that children have the resources they need to thrive. In California, fathers not married to their child’s mother and who are the child’s biological or legal parent typically must pay child support until the child turns 18, although some exceptions may exist. Understanding the financial obligations of being a father can be complex and emotional. Still, ensuring that the child's needs are met is crucial.
As a father, it is essential to understand that providing financial support for your child is a legal and moral responsibility. Children require financial resources to cover their basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and other essential expenses, such as education and healthcare. The fathers' financial support can help ensure that their children have access to these necessities and have a better chance of thriving and achieving their full potential.
Additionally, child support is not just about financial assistance, but it is also a legal obligation. Failure to pay child support can result in severe consequences. Therefore, fathers must take their financial obligations toward their children seriously.
If you are involved in a child support matter, schedule a consultation with Claery & Hammond, LLP by calling us at (310) 817-6904 or contacting us online. We assist parents in Los Angeles.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a vital legal obligation that parents have towards their children. It is a form of financial assistance provided by the non-custodial parent, typically the father, to ensure that the child's needs are met. Child support is the amount the father must pay monthly to contribute to the child's upbringing.
The purpose of child support is to provide financial assistance to the custodial parent to meet the expenses related to raising the child.
These expenses can include the child's basic needs, such as the following:
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Education
- Healthcare
- Extracurricular activities
The funds provided through child support help ensure that the child can enjoy a comfortable and stable life.
Furthermore, child support can also be about fulfilling emotional needs. Children benefit significantly from having a relationship with both parents, and contributing financially to their well-being can help fathers maintain a meaningful connection with their children.
In addition to the emotional benefits, understanding your financial obligations as a father can also have practical benefits. It can help you plan for your financial future, budget for child support payments, and ensure that you satisfy your responsibilities to your child.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
Child support calculations are based on guidelines established by state law.
These guidelines consider the following factors:
- Both parents' monthly income
- The time each parent spends with the child
- The number of other children living in the parents' homes
Each parent must include a declaration of income and expenses when the case is opened, and all sources of income must be included, except welfare and supplemental security income.
In addition to the above factors, the court may also consider other elements that could impact the child's needs or the ability of the parents to provide financial support.
These factors may include the following:
- The child's health and education needs
- The parents' financial situations
- Any special circumstances that may impact the child's upbringing
If a father disagrees with the court's calculated support amount, he has the option to respond to the summons and complaint within 30 days.
He can present facts that could affect child support payments, such as the following:
- Income,
- Employment status
- Disability status
- Family size
- Incarceration
- Marital status
Financial Obligations of Fathers
As a father, even if you do not have physical custody of your child, you are still required to contribute to their upbringing financially.
If you don’t believe that you have financial responsibility for a child, you can request proof of parentage. This can be done by establishing paternity through genetic testing or by proving that you were legally married to the mother at the time of the child's birth. Once parentage has been established, you will be required to fulfill your financial obligations for your child.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Failing to meet child support payments is considered a violation of a court order, and it can result in significant repercussions.
These may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Suspension of your driver's license or passport
- Revocation of professional licenses
- Bank and property liens
- Tax intercepts
- 10% interest on the unpaid amount
To avoid or minimize adverse actions, you can request a modification of your child support order if you cannot afford the current amount. The court understands that circumstances can change, and they may allow a modification if you have had a significant change in your financial situation. This could include losing your job, getting a lower-paying job, or experiencing a change in custody or visitation.
To modify child support, you must file a petition with the court that issued the initial order. You must provide evidence of the significant change in circumstances that justifies the modification.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Firm
Child support is both parents' financial responsibility for their child's upbringing. It is determined by guidelines established by state law, considering both parents' income, time spent with the child, and other factors. If a father disagrees with the court's calculated support amount, he can respond within 30 days and present facts that could affect child support payments. In addition, if circumstances change, he may be able to modify the child support order by filing a petition with the court.
Receiving legal guidance from a family law lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. An attorney can also determine a practical course of action regarding child support matters, as each case is unique.
To speak with one of our Los Angeles lawyers at Claery & Hammond, LLP, contact us at (310) 817-6904.