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Child Support

Murrieta Child Support Lawyer

Skilled Riverside County Child Support Attorney Backed by 10+ Years of Experience

Your primary goal is to protect your children during divorce, which is why you are concerned about getting their basic needs met after the paperwork is finalized. Get help establishing child support with our team so you can have confidence in their futures.


Protect your child's future with strong child support. As you work toward an amicable resolution, get the experienced help of our team. Call (951) 418-2770 or contact us online today to get started with our Murrieta child support lawyer!


Divorcing spouses have very little to disagree about when it comes to income-based state guidelines for the support. However, if you are unclear as to what your financial support obligations will be—or if you are already divorced and not receiving enough, or paying too much, support—you need the help of our experienced Murrieta child support attorney right away.

Murrieta family law attorney Michael D. Iverson's 10+ years of service to his clients and his deep knowledge of support statutes uniquely qualify him to defend your rights.

He is your educator, advocate, confidante, and sympathetic guide during any journey through the legal process.

How Does California Calculate Child Support?

Child support in California is determined by a complex calculation that factors in:

  • each parent's gross income;
  • the amount of time each child spends with each parent;
  • any income tax deductions; and
  • child care costs spent by either parent.

Understanding the Child Support Modification Process

Life is full of changes, and your child support arrangement may need to adapt to new circumstances. Whether you’ve experienced a change in income, job loss, or shifts in your child's needs, understanding how to modify your child support order is crucial. At the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, APC, we can guide you through this process, ensuring that your child's best interests remain at the forefront.

Here are some key points to consider when thinking about a child support modification:

  • Eligibility for Modification: California law allows for modifications under specific circumstances. If there has been a significant change in either parent's financial situation or the child's needs, you may qualify for a review.
  • Documentation is Key: Gather relevant documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, and any evidence of changes in expenses related to your child’s care. This information will support your case for modification.
  • Legal Representation: Having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference. We can help you navigate the legal requirements and advocate for your rights during negotiations.
  • Impact on Your Child: Remember that any changes to child support should prioritize your child's welfare. We will work with you to ensure that their needs are adequately met.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation if you believe a modification is necessary. Let us help you secure a fair and just child support arrangement that reflects your current situation.

  • "He is a very thorough and competent attorney!"
    Michael R.
  • "I am so grateful to him and his supporting staff."
    Allison
  • Less then a month after my consultation it was done. Everyone is awesome and very helpful on any questions I had.

    Chuck G.
  • "Highly recommend!"
    Maureen S.
  • "When I have a legal issue, I call Iverson."
    Perry K.

Who Pays Child Support in Joint Custody in California?

It is common for spouses to split joint custody of a child (or children) in California and for one spouse to owe child support still. Therefore, if you are the higher-earning parent and intend to share 50/50 custody of your children equally (joint custody), you may be ordered to pay some child support or pay some costs.

What Is the Most Child Support Can Take in California?

In California, there isn’t a cap to the amount of support that can be ordered. There is a specific formula used to determine the support, and therefore a limit cannot exist that would undermine the existing method for calculating child support. There are, however, some extremely limited scenarios in which the court can deviate from this rule.

Does Child Support Automatically Stop at 18 in California?

Child support typically ends when the children graduate high school at the age of 18 if they are living with the custodial parent. If the child has not graduated at 18 but is still a full-time high school student, support can continue until they graduate or until they turn 19.

Can You Waive Child Support in California?

No, you cannot waive child support in California as it is not in the child's best interest. It is apparent to know that children are dependent on their parents for care, and support requires money until they become adults.

Can You Waive Child Support in California?

Child support can be modified after the fact. Changes in circumstances are often a reason for parents to have to re-evaluate their finances and speak with a lawyer about making changes that reflect a new situation.

What Happens if I Don't Pay Child Support in California?

If you don’t pay child support, the California courts can hold you in “contempt of court,” which means the judge believes you have willfully disobeyed a court order. Contempt can be criminal or civil. Criminal contempt can result in you paying a fine or serving jail time. If you are held in civil contempt, you may also face jail time, but you will be released once you pay the past-due amount. It is also possible for the court to order a combination of civil and criminal contempt penalties.

Additional penalties include:

  • Being sentenced community service hours;
  • Having to pay the other parent’s attorney fees and other costs associated with enforcing the child support order;
  • A lien being placed on real property, such as your house or land;
  • Wages being withheld to pay child support;
  • Money being garnished from your bank account or pension plan, veteran’s disability benefits, etc.

Contact Our Murrieta Child Support Attorney for Expert Guidance

Murrieta child support attorney Michael D. Iverson works hard to bring order to the chaos in your family when disagreements or misconceptions about appropriate levels of support arise. His track record has revealed him to be an excellent negotiator and equally effective at trial if litigation is warranted.


Contact the Murrieta child support attorney online or call (951) 418-2770 at the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson today to arrange an important initial consultation. You will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from a productive exchange of ideas on how to improve your situation.


OFFERING A PERSONALIZED APPROACH Learn More About Us

At the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, the founder of our respected law firm brings many years of successful service, legal knowledge, and client focus to a shared belief in your goals.

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Facing a legal family matters or divorce is stressful, but you do not have to go through this on your own. Take the first step and contact the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, APC today to learn more.

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