Child Support
CHILD SUPPORT ATTORNEY SERVING THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
A child support order carries long-term financial consequences for both parents. Whether you are the parent expected to pay or the parent depending on support to meet your child's needs, the amount established by the court will affect your household for years. Getting it right from the start matters.
The Geller Firm represents parents in child support proceedings throughout the Bay Area, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Solano counties. Every client works directly with Attorney Michael Geller.
WHAT IS CHILD SUPPORT AND HOW DOES IT WORK IN CALIFORNIA?
Child support is a court-ordered payment from one parent to the other to ensure that both parents share financial responsibility for their child's upbringing. It is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, though support can also be ordered in joint custody arrangements when there is a significant income disparity between the parents.
In most cases, child support obligations continue until the youngest child turns 18 and completes high school. For a child with a disability, support may extend beyond that point depending on the circumstances.
HOW IS CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATED IN CALIFORNIA?
California uses a statewide guideline formula to calculate child support. The formula takes into account each parent's income, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and certain allowable deductions.
Income considered in the calculation includes wages, government benefits, investment income, rental income, and other sources. Allowable deductions may include taxes, health insurance premiums, and the cost of supporting children from other relationships.
The guideline amount is presumed correct under California law, but a court may deviate from it in limited circumstances, such as when applying it would be unjust or inappropriate given the specific facts of the case.
CAN A CHILD SUPPORT ORDER BE MODIFIED?
Yes. A child support order is not necessarily permanent. Either parent may seek a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common grounds for modification include a significant change in either parent's income, a change in the custody arrangement, or a change in the child's needs.
Modifications are not automatic. You must petition the court and demonstrate that a qualifying change has occurred. An attorney can help you assess whether your situation meets the legal standard and build the record needed to support your request.
WHY DOES LEGAL REPRESENTATION MATTER IN CHILD SUPPORT CASES?
Child support calculations depend heavily on how income is characterized and what deductions are properly applied. A parent who is self-employed, receives variable compensation, or has income from multiple sources presents a more complex picture than a straightforward W-2 employee. Without experienced counsel, income can be overstated or understated, leading to an order that does not reflect reality.
An attorney also ensures that the process is fair. If the other parent is not being forthcoming about their finances, discovery tools are available to obtain the information needed for an accurate calculation.
SPEAK WITH A CALIFORNIA CHILD SUPPORT ATTORNEY
If you have questions about a child support order, a potential modification, or how support will be calculated in your case, The Geller Firm is available to help. Consultations are offered in person or virtually throughout the Bay Area. You will speak directly with Attorney Michael Geller.
Contact The Geller Firm today to schedule your consultation.
