Dedicated Child Custody And Child Support Attorneys In California
When your marriage ends, your most important concern is likely your children. Deciding where your children will live, how decisions about their future will be made and how they will be financially supported can be the toughest part of any separation. You want to make sure your children are safe, stable and have everything they need to thrive.
At Weed Law Group, PC, our family law attorneys understand how high the stakes are. We focus on creating clear, workable custody agreements and fair financial arrangements that put your children first. We aggressively protect your rights as a parent while working to reach agreements that give your family stability and peace of mind.
Child Custody In California
Child custody refers to the legal and physical care of a child under the age of 18. California courts always make decisions based on what they believe is in the best interest of the child.
Legal custody determines which parent has the right to make important decisions about the child’s life. This includes choices about health care, education and religious upbringing.
Sometimes, the courts award joint legal custody to both parents, which means they both have the authority to make major decisions. However, there are cases where a judge can award sole custody, which means only one parent has this power.
Meanwhile, physical custody determines where the child will stay. In a joint physical custody arrangement, the child spends significant time living with both parents. In contrast, in a sole physical custody arrangement, the child stays with only one parent, while the other only has visitation rights.
Child Support In California
Child support refers to the financial support one parent provides to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. In California, the support amount is based on two things: the income of each parent and the percentage of time each parent spends with the children. This information is, generally, entered into a child support calculator and the courts typically accept the result of that calculation. There are limited circumstances where that calculation can be challenged.
Once an initial child support order has been issued, the paying parent is expected to pay every month and on time. If a significant change happens in your life, however, you can ask the court to make changes to your child support order. Remember, you cannot just change the payment amount yourself or stop paying. To make a change, you must file for a modification to the court order. We can help you with that process.
If the paying party fails to make timely payments, we can help the other parent take legal steps to enforce the court order. This can involve wage garnishment or other actions to make sure the payments are made.
Protect Your Child’s Future And Talk To Our Child Support And Child Custody Lawyers Today
At Weed Law Group, PC, our attorneys offer experienced, compassionate legal assistance to help you achieve fair legal arrangements. Call us today and learn how our attorneys can help you secure your child’s future after a divorce. Contact 925-644-7905 or fill out this form to schedule a consultation.