Spousal and Child Support
The Family Formation Law Center handles a wide range of spousal support, child support, and child custody matters, including in cases where one or both spouses are considered high-earners. Support may be ordered to be paid by either or both parties, and is decided based on a comparison of net income. Child support is determined based on the best interests of the child or children, and generally lasts until the age of 18. Child support is calculated based on:
- The earning capacity of each parent
- The number of children
- How much time the children spend with each parent
- Medical, education, and other expenses
- The parents can also agree on a different amount not based on the guideline; the court will generally approve if the agreement is in the best interests of the children.
Child Custody Matters
Determining custody arrangements can prove to be one of the most emotionally difficult and contentious obstacles in any relationship. In a divorce, two separate types of custody must be determined:
- Physical custody refers to which parent the child actually lives with and when.
- Legal custody refers to which parent retains the right and responsibility to make educational, medical, and religious decisions regarding the child's upbringing.
Although sole custody may be granted when it is in the best interest of the child, all custody decisions start out in favor of some form of joint custody. In these cases, a visitation plan will outline how the parents will share custody.
The Family Formation Law Center assists clients with both simple and complex custody and visitation matters, including "move-away" cases, where one parent wants to relocate outside of California, or even outside the country.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.