Child support is mandated under California law. Both parents have an equal duty to support their children. The duty of support ends, with certain exceptions, upon a child reaching the age of eighteen. Much of the disagreement in both divorce and parentage cases involves the amount of child support to be awarded. Child support drives many child custody disputes as it is no secret that the amount of time each parent has with the children affects the amount of support. In California, child support is determined by application of a mathematical formula. The formula is essentially comprised of analyzing the income of the parties as well as the custodial timeshare. There are however other factors involved. Disputes often arise as to what data is input into the calculation. Computer software has been developed to assist courts and attorneys in this calculation.

California has adopted statutory guidelines for determining child support. These guidelines require consideration of factors including the incomes of both parents, the number of children for which support is required, the cost of health insurance paid by the parents, and the amount of time the children spend with each parent. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is necessary to ensure that the amount of child support proscribed by the guidelines accurately reflects the true income and expenses of the parents.

At the Law Offices of Randy W. Medina, we diligently work on behalf of our clients in the greater Los Angeles area to obtain accurate information to substantiate income and expenses, including discovery of hidden or non-traditional sources of income, to ensure that the amount of child support is an accurate reflection of the incomes of the parties in an effort to protect the best interests of the children for whom the support is ordered. We will counsel you as to the factors that affect the amount of child support payable, and gather all the financial information necessary to ensure that a child support order is entered which properly applies the child support guidelines within the particular circumstances of your case. Mr. Medina will personally calculate child support utilizing the most up-to-date computer software even before you walk into the courtroom.

We offer experience and expertise in navigating the child support maze, from either the position of the paying or recipient parent to ensure the entry of a proper and adequate child support order.