There are approximately
1.1 million child support cases statewide, as well as
47 child support agencies across California. In addition to these resources, hiring a seasoned child support lawyer from Ewing Law Group, PC, can help you navigate the California child support legal process, whether you are trying to request support or prove that you are unable to do so.
Overall, there are roughly ten steps you must take to finalize a child support agreement.
They are as follows:
- Enrolling in child support: California Child Support Services (CCSS) has plenty of resources to help you begin the enrollment process, including this intake form.
- Locating the parent(s): Before the child support process can move forward, both parents must be located. This may prove to be very easy if both are local and aware that they share a child. Sometimes, the location of a parent may be unknown, and they must be located prior to moving forward.
- Filing a summons and complaint: If you are the parent receiving the request for child support, you will receive a summons and complaint packet, after which you have 30 days to respond. If you do not respond within this time frame, you may be assigned a default order without taking your financial circumstances into consideration.
- Establishing legal parentage: Upon receiving a summons and complaint packet, you need to establish your legal parentage of the child needing support. This can be done through documentation of marriage prior to the child’s birth, but DNA tests are another option.
- Creating a stipulated agreement: If both parents can reach an agreement regarding a set amount of child support, they will sign an agreement. This is not always applicable, but if you are hoping to reach an agreement outside of court, this is a good way to do so.
- Setting the child support order: If the parents of the child cannot come to an agreement, a court date will be set. If your case requires the involvement of the courts, the Yolo County Superior Court is one site where you may carry out the necessary steps.
- Making payments: Once the court or established agreement has decided on a set amount of child support, the parent assigned child support payments must do so in full and on time.
- Enforcing the child support order: If need be, the court will enforce the child support order, assigning penalties if a parent fails to keep up with these payments. Some of these penalties can include redirecting lottery winnings and tax refunds, suspension of a passport and/or driver’s license, and/or issuing bank or property liens. Unpaid child support payments in California will be charged an interest of 10%.
- Altering the child support order: Life changes happen and can lead to the need to revise the child support order. An example of said changes is new developments at your job, i.e., losing your job, retiring, changing jobs, or getting promoted.
- Closing the child support order: When the child is 18 years or older, the child support agreement is no longer deemed to be a legal necessity and, therefore, will be closed.
Q: How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost in California?
A: The final cost of a Yolo County child support lawyer in California tends to vary based on influential variables that are unique to each case. Examples of this are how long it takes for your case to resolve, the level of complexity your case presents, and the lawyer you choose to hire. The seasoned legal team at the Ewing Law Group, PC, offers affordable payment options and is here to help you clarify your familial rights and build a case worthy of every penny.
Q: What Amount of Back Child Support Is Considered a Felony in California?
A: According to Title 18 of the United States Code § 228(a)(3), if child support goes unpaid for two or more years or exceeds the amount of $10,000, it is classified as a felony. If you are convicted, you could be facing up to two years in prison, as well as being forced to pay monetary fines. Hiring a child support lawyer from Ewing Law Group, PC, can help you avoid this, as they can negotiate affordable payments on your behalf.
Q: Can I Represent Myself in My Child Support Case?
A: It is legal in the state of California to represent yourself in a child support case, but you will benefit from having Ewing Law Group, PC on your side. Not only will they be able to help you avoid common missteps, but they can also help you with filing claims, negotiating terms, and juggling the various legal aspects of child support cases. Their compassion and skill can help you achieve the result you desire.
Q: How Much Do Most Fathers Pay for Child Support in California?
A: The California courts decide how much a parent is expected to pay in child support based on several different elements, including but not limited to the following:
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child(ren)
- The income of both parents
- Health and childcare costs
- Additional expenses, such as educational or travel
After one of our skilled lawyers has been able to gather what these costs may look like for you, they can help you negotiate an affordable and fair child support payment.
Being separated from your child is one of the most difficult things a person can experience, and having to navigate the complex world of child support by yourself can feel incredibly overwhelming. Fortunately, you do not need to face this alone.
Reaching out to a lawyer from the Ewing Law Group, PC, means setting yourself up for success. Their skill and compassion can free you up to focus on your family, bringing you peace of mind as they guide you through the child support legal process.
Contact Ewing Law Group, PC, today to schedule a consultation.
