Child Support
When do courts allow post-judgment modification of support?
Even if years have passed since the court has issued a child support order, parties can request to amend its terms, typically involving the amount. However, not every situation calls for modifying the existing order. Family courts allow changes in support terms only...
How to calculate and end child support payment in California
Behind every child’s growth and development are parents who show unwavering support. In the wake of a divorce, it is crucial for that parental support to remain unshaken, if not only stronger. Under California law, divorcing parents must maintain financial...
Child support: dealing with an uncooperative ex
Even if spouses decide to go on separate ways, they are still jointly responsible for providing for their child’s needs. While many parents are more than willing to spend for their children’s growth and development, some parents make it unnecessarily difficult to...
Child support and necessities
If you are divorced and have children in California, but you are not a custodial parent, the court could order you to pay child support. While this payment is typically used for items that your child specifically needs, it can pay for other things that make the life...
Child support and tax law
California does not typically consider child support payments as income for the recipient. However, they are also not tax deductible by the individual who pays child support. For the recipient to receive tax-free payment, the court order must clearly state that the...
Updating child support information on credit reports
Failing to pay court-ordered child support can have severe consequences. California noncustodial parents who fall behind on their payments can be ordered to pay fines or perform community service and may even be sent to jail, and their credit scores can plummet. That...
Essential facts about child support in California
The family court system in California works to ensure that both parents fulfill their legal obligation to support their children. California Family Code § 3900 clarifies this legal obligation, and details the circumstances in which you should collect child support....
How and when does child support terminate?
At some point during a divorce proceeding involving California parents of young children, the court will issue a child support order. If the order needs to be terminated, there are certain requirements that must be met. Termination of child support at the age of...
What if your co-parent fails to make child support payments?
In California, child support payments are essential for separated parents to cover children's ongoing expenses. If your co-parent falls behind on payments, it can put a strain on your finances. The good news is that there are certain steps you can take to ensure that...
Child support and sharing custody
If you share physical and legal custody of your children with the other parent in California, you might think that the financial responsibility of raising your children will be shared as well. While this is true for the most part, one parent could be ordered to pay...