Tulare Child Support Lawyer

Tulare Child Support Attorney

Parents want the most for their children, and this often means having the financial means to provide for them. When only one parent takes their financial responsibilities seriously, it can put families in a difficult situation. Child support orders are issued to ensure that a child’s financial needs are met. A Tulare child support lawyer can work with you to determine if you are eligible for child support and assist you in petitioning for it.

At Carlos Navarrete Law Firm, we have represented divorce clients in the Tulare community and surrounding areas for decades. We provide dedicated legal counsel on matters of child support and child custody.

Process for Opening Child Support in California

California law requires parents to bear responsibility for the support of their child. There are many instances when one or both of the parents fail to meet that responsibility, leaving their child vulnerable.

A person in care of a child, either the parent or a legal guardian, can request an order of child support be issued to a parent who is not providing for their child. Opening a child support case in California may happen in any of the following ways:

• During a divorce process, a family court judge may issue an order of child support for one of the parents.
• Either parent or a legal guardian can initiate a child support case through a state child services agency in their county or region.
• If public assistance is petitioned on behalf of a child, a child support case is automatically opened.

Through both the divorce process and through opening a case with a child support agency, a petitioner and the respondent, the parent from whom support is being requested, can come up with a stipulated agreement for the amount of child support to be paid.

The Role of a Child Support Agency

The role of the child support agency is to help parents deal with child support matters outside of court. They can assist with locating a parent, establishing legal parentage, and enforcing the payment of child support, including child support orders issued through court. They are a middle person for both parties to turn to for a fair assessment of child support needs.

The Role of a Tulare Child Support Lawyer in Tulare

There are many services available through California’s Child Support Services and through family court. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that you contact a skilled child support lawyer to help you obtain the financial assistance your child is entitled to.

Courts and child support services are not able to provide legal advice. They are also supposed to be a neutral middle-person and may not be able to consider all aspects of your unique situation during a child custody case. Moreover, caseworkers may be dealing with dozens of cases at a time and may not be able to provide the personalized support that you need. A seasoned child support lawyer in Tulare may be able to assist with the following:

• Requesting Child Support: Through a divorce or child support case, an attorney can work vigorously to represent your interests in court. They can also assist you in understanding which petitions you need to file, how to serve a child support complaint, and how to navigate the family court system.
• Enforcing Child Support: Once a court order for child support is issued, a child support lawyer may help guide you on how to enforce the child support order, especially if the other parent is not compliant. This may include opening a case with a child support agency or filing a complaint in court.
• Responding to a Child Support Petition: If you believe you are not responsible for child support, or if you have been served a child support complaint, it is important to deal with the matter right away by challenging legal parentage or providing the agency or court with information on your financial situation.
• Modifying a Child Support Order: As a parent liable for child support, and if you are unable to pay the ordered amount due to a job loss or serious health issues, a skilled attorney can advocate for you to get a reduction in the ordered child support amount.

If you need help with your child support case along with support handling other aspects of family separation including child custody, visitation, and spousal support, Carlos Navarrete Law Firm can provide staunch legal representation and help you resolve your case in the most optimal way possible.

FAQs About Tulare, CA Child Support Laws

Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support in California?

Having a lawyer for a child support case in California is highly recommended, though not required. The benefit of working with a child support attorney is that they are knowledgeable about child support laws and can help you navigate the process in the most optimal way. They can also dedicate more time to your case, which can result in a positive outcome.

Can You File a Claim for Back Child Support After 18 in California?

Per California Family Code 4009, if a child support petition was submitted, and a parent has been served the petition, they are liable for child support from the date the petition was served, even if the child is above 18. In California, a child may be eligible for child support if they are over 18 and are still in high school or in cases where the child is disabled.

How Much Does a Father Pay for Child Support in California?

The amount a person pays for child support in California, regardless of whether they are the father or the mother, is based on a child support calculation formula that takes into account the financial situation of both parents and the time the child spends with each one. The amount will vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

What Is the Biggest Factor in Calculating Child Support?

One of the biggest factors in calculating child support is the financial situation of both parents and how much time the child spends with both parents. Even if a parent is not currently working but is able to, a court may order the parent who is found liable for child support to obtain employment to meet their obligation.

Get the Support of a Seasoned Tulare Child Support Lawyer

Whether you need help requesting and enforcing a child support order or you have been served with a child support complaint, it is highly advised that you contact a knowledgeable Tulare child support lawyer who can provide the legal counsel and representation you deserve.

With the help of the dedicated legal team at Carlos Navarrete Law Firm, you can rest assured your case will receive the adequate attention needed to succeed. Speak with us today to learn more about your options.