Child Support

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our San Diego Child Support Lawyer 

At Aloha Law, PC, our San Diego child support attorney is a compassionate, experienced advocate for clients. Whether you are negotiating a child agreement, are involved in a dispute over how much child support is due, or have questions about delinquent support, we are here to help. Contact us at our San Diego law office for a confidential consultation with a top California child support lawyer. 

Know the Law: Parents in California Have a Duty to Provide Financial Support to Children

As a starting point, it is important for parents in California to know that they have a general responsibility to provide financial support to their children. If they are divorced or otherwise separated, they may be required to pay child support to their co-parent. The obligation is not only limited to basic necessities like food and shelter but extends to education, healthcare, and other essential needs. The amount of child support is usually determined by a state-mandated formula that considers factors such as each parent's income, the number of children, and the time each parent spends with the children. 

An Overview of California’s Child Support Laws

Are you a parent in San Diego County? If so, your child support case falls under California law. Indeed, for the most part, child support issues are handled at the state level. Here are key points to understand about how child support works in California: 

  • Income Determines the Basis of Child Support: In California, the primary consideration in determining child support is the income of both parents—including salary, wages, commissions, royalties, and self-employment earnings. Other forms of income, such as dividends, rental income, and even lottery winnings, are also factored in. The goal is to maintain a standard of living for the children that is similar to what they would have experienced if the family had remained intact. The income of both parents is considered. 

  • California Child Support Guidelines Use Parental Time: Child support in California is generally based on a statewide formula. Once each parent’s income is determined, you will need to evaluate parenting time. Indeed, the amount of time the child spends with each parent can play a big role in the amount of support awarded. The more time the kid(s) spends with the non-custodial parent, the more likely that the parent’s proportional child support obligation will be decreased. 

  • The Duration of Child Support: The duration for which child support must be paid generally lasts until the child turns 18. However, if the child is still a full-time high school student and not self-supporting, the support may continue until the child completes the 12th grade or reaches 19 years of age, whichever comes first. In some limited cases—such as if a child has a serious disability—support obligations may be extended beyond his or her 19th birthday. However, that requires a specialized court order. 

  • Child Support is Adjustable for Special Circumstances: California law recognizes that the state’s guidelines for child support may not be well-suited for every possible situation. With this in mind, courts may deviate from the guideline formula to address unique issues, such as a child’s special needs or a parent having considerable financial resources with a low countable income. The party seeking a deviation from the child support guidelines has the burden of proving that it is warranted. 

Note: California Child Support Services offers an Online Calculator that you can use to get a rough understanding of how the state’s child support guidelines apply to your situation. State regulators caution that the calculator provides general information. If you have any specific questions about child support obligations, you should consult with an experienced San Diego family lawyer. 

We Handle All Types of Child Support Cases in San Diego

Aloha Law, PC is a boutique family law firm devoted to providing personalized guidance and support to clients in San Diego and throughout the surrounding area. We take on the full range of child support cases, including: 

  • Child Support Negotiations: Are you a divorcing/separating parent who is looking to work out a child support agreement? Whether you are a mother or father, we can help. Our San Diego child support lawyer is committed to helping clients protect their financial interests.  

  • Child Support Modification: If your financial circumstances have changed, our firm can assist in modifying your child support order. These obligations are subject to modification for a substantial and material change in circumstances. A modification may be agreed upon by the parents or ordered by a California court. Have questions about a child support modification in San Diego? We are here to help. 

  • Past Due Child Support Cases: We take on past-due child support cases. Our San Diego child support lawyer helps custodial parents recover the funds that they are owed.  For parents facing financial difficulties, we look for the best possible resolution. 

How Our San Diego Child Support Lawyer Can Help

Child support cases are complicated. Whether you are a mother or a father, it is normal to have a ton of questions about your rights and your responsibilities. You do not have to take on the legal process alone. Our founding and principal lawyer T. Healoha Lee, Esq, has decades of experience in family law. She has a deep commitment to helping parents navigate challenging times. You need a legal advocate who provides personalized advocacy. When you contact us at our San Diego law office, you will have an opportunity to speak to a California child support lawyer who can: 

  • Listen to your story and answer questions about the law;

  • Investigate your child support case—gathering financial documents and records; 

  • Represent you in any child support settlement negotiations with your co-parent; and

  • Develop a comprehensive strategy to help you secure the best possible outcome. 

Contact Our San Diego Child Support Attorney Today

At Aloha Law, PC, our San Diego child support lawyer is an experienced, solutions-focused advocate for parents. If you have any questions about a child support case, we are here as a family law resource that you can trust. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. With an office in San Diego, we handle child support cases throughout the surrounding region, including Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon, Carlsbad, La Mesa, and National City.