Modification of Child Support & Custody Lawyer in Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills & Century City Divorce Lawyer
There may come a time after initial child support and custody agreements have been reached and formally approved by a court when parents want to change the terms or conditions of the orders. To do this, parents must show that there has been a change in circumstances since the last child support or custody order was made.
Some common reasons for modifying orders include:
- The income of one or both parents has changed
- A parent has lost their job
- A parent has been incarcerated
- A parent has had another child from another relationship
- There have been changes in how much time a child spends with each parent
These are just some of the common reasons for a modification. An experienced divorce and family law attorney from our firm can help you evaluate the basis of your child custody or child support change and work toward resolving all of the legal actions involved.
A Skilled Attorney on Your Side
Each attorney at Taub & Taub, P.C. has more than 20 years of legal experience and a far-reaching knowledge of family law. If you wish to make a modification to your support or custody arrangement, you should be aware that California courts have very unique requirements to justify changes. Our firm can help you through this process and advocate for your modification based on the most up-to-date applicable rules and laws.
To ensure that your interests are properly represented and that your case is presented clearly and convincingly, you need a skilled attorney from Taub & Taub, P.C. on your side.
With the resources to fully investigate your situation and the commitment to meet your particular needs and goals, our firm is here to help. Contact Taub & Taub, P.C. today.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 818-938-2007 today!
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When does child support end in California?
Child support typically ends when the child turns 18. If the child is still enrolled full time in high school and has not yet graduated, support continues until graduation or the child's 19th birthday, whichever comes first. However, support obligations do not simply stop automatically when the child reaches the applicable age. There are formal steps required to terminate an active support order, and unpaid arrears continue to accrue interest at 10 percent annually under California law.
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How is child support calculated in California?
California uses a statewide guideline formula set out in California Family Code section 4055. The calculation factors in both parents' net disposable incomes and the percentage of time each parent spends with the child. The greater the disparity in income or custody time, the higher the support obligation generally becomes. California also provides a free online calculator through the Department of Child Support Services, though the result produced by the calculator is an estimate.
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Can my child choose which parent to live with?
California law allows a court to consider the preferences of a child who is of sufficient age and capacity to form an intelligent preference. Under California Family Code section 3042, a child who is 14 or older has the right to address the court directly if they wish, but the judge retains full authority to make the custody determination based on the child's overall best interests. Parents should also be aware that encouraging a child to express a preference, or placing pressure on a child to align with one parent, can itself be a factor that affects the court's view of that parent's conduct.
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Can my child choose which parent to live with?
California law allows a court to consider the preferences of a child who is of sufficient age and capacity to form an intelligent preference. Under California Family Code section 3042, a child who is 14 or older has the right to address the court directly if they wish, but the judge retains full authority to make the custody determination based on the child's overall best interests. Parents should also be aware that encouraging a child to express a preference, or placing pressure on a child to align with one parent, can itself be a factor that affects the court's view of that parent's conduct.
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What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody refers to the right and responsibility to make major decisions about a child's upbringing, including decisions about education, healthcare, and religious activities. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily lives and which parent is responsible for day-to-day care. California courts recognize four combinations: joint legal custody, sole legal custody, joint physical custody, and sole physical custody. Joint legal custody, where both parents share decision-making authority, is common even in cases where physical custody is not equally divided.