Practice Areas

Orange County Child Support Lawyer

As part of our comprehensive services to parents undergoing a divorce, the Law Offices of Wendy L.C. Fountain, A PC, helps clients to understand and anticipate California child support guidelines as they apply under their particular circumstances. With our law firm centrally located in Orange, our capable and caring team represents parents throughout Orange County, California

Specific California Child Support Laws

Child support in California is invariably driven by statutory guidelines that set child support obligations according to a formula established by the state legislature. With little room for deviation, the California child support guidelines primarily consider income of both parents, the child custody arrangement, and any special needs of the child. Other critical issues, such as health care insurance coverage, will also be included in the child support order. The guidelines become increasingly difficult to interpret in the case where a parent is self-employed, unemployed, or under-employed, necessitating the court to impute the proper income to make a fair child support order.

Modifications to Child Support Orders

A post-decree modification to a child support order can be obtained in certain circumstances, as long as there is a significant change in circumstances, such as:

• An increase or decrease in either parent's income
• A change in the child's needs
• A change in the child custody and visitation arrangement

An upward or downward child support modification can be difficult to obtain or defend against under particular circumstances and it is imperative for either party involved in the child support modification dispute to have a competent attorney on their side who understands the laws and who can anticipate the probable child support payments in their situation.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

Child support agencies have many legal tools at their disposal to collect child support that has been ordered from the noncustodial parent. In certain situations, wage garnishments may be attached to the parent's paycheck. However, when a parent who has the ability to pay support that has been ordered but chooses not to, a petition can be filed with the court to enforce the court order and, in some situations, hold the parent in contempt of court for the non-payment of court-ordered support.

Please read more about child support on our Family Law Practice Center.

As a former Deputy District Attorney who practiced California child support law exclusively, child support lawyer Wendy Fountain has the specific skills and knowledge needed to ensure your rights are fully upheld and that the child support order or modification meets both your and your child’s ongoing needs. Contact Us Now for capable legal advice and guidance in your child support matter.