Ontario Child Support Lawyer

The changing financial landscape is one of the most stressful aspects of a divorce. The economic adjustments can be tough between new living expenses, car payments, and individual financial support. This is especially true in any case where a child is now living under one parent’s roof at a time. To make sure that you and your children are taken care of after a divorce in Ontario, CA, it is important to have a clear and concise child support agreement. This ensures that a child will not face any setbacks to their quality of life and maintains a sense of normalcy. The California family code provides a specific set of child support guidelines that courts follow to ensure that these agreements are accurate and fair. An Ontario child support lawyer can help you determine how much child support you may be entitled to, as well as work on your behalf to make sure that payments are made promptly and consistently.

At All American Law, our Ontario child support lawyers understand how important it is for you to have a healthy relationship with your children. We also understand the unique challenges that you may face when trying to come to a child support agreement. Our lawyers will work with you to make sure that your rights are protected and that your children are taken care of to the best of our ability.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is the economic contribution that a non-custodial parent makes to a child’s upbringing. Although it is typically associated with monetary payments, it can also take the form of providing health insurance or funding extracurricular activities. In the state of California, both parents are required to financially support their children, even if they are not married.

How Is Child Support Calculated in California?

Many different factors go into calculating child support in the state of California. These include:

• The needs of the child: This includes things like food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education.
• The income of both parents: This includes things like salaries, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income.
• The full amount of time each parent spends with the child: The more time a parent spends with a child, the less child support they will likely have to pay.
• The assets and debts of both parents: This includes things like property, savings accounts, and investments.
• The age of the child: A child support order will end when a child turns 18 unless the child is still attending high school. In that case, the order will end when the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first.

What If the Parents Can’t Agree on Child Support?

If the parents cannot agree on child support, then there are a few other legal avenues that can be pursued. The first is to file a petition with the court. The court will then hold a hearing where both parents will have the opportunity to present their case. Based on the evidence presented, the court will issue child support orders.

The second option is to go through mediation. Both parents will meet with a neutral third party, who will help them come to an agreement. Mediation is often cheaper and faster than going to court, and it can be less stressful for both parents and children. However, if your divorce is so contentious that you struggle to even communicate with your ex-spouse, then mediation may not be the best option.

FAQs About Ontario, CA Child Support Law

How Do I Sue for Child Support in Ontario?

You may choose to sue for child support if the other parent is not paying what they owe or if you believe the other parent misrepresented their income to the court to reduce their child support payments. To jumpstart this process, you will first connect with an Ontario child support lawyer who will assess the charges you are claiming and devise a plan to get the support you are owed.

Can You Negotiate Child Support in Ontario?

Although it is not required, parents often choose to negotiate child support terms outside of court to save time and money. If you come to an agreement, you can then ask a judge to approve the terms so that they become legally binding. Some tips for negotiating include being clear about what you want, being willing to compromise, and having realistic expectations.

Can Child Support Arrears Be Forgiven in Ontario, CA?

In general, child support arrears (the amount of money owed for missed or late payments) cannot be forgiven. However, there are some exceptions, such as if the person owing the arrears can no longer be located or if they have died. If you are owed child support arrears, your best course of action is to speak to an Ontario child support lawyer about your recovery options to ensure you or your children do not face any unnecessary financial hardships.

How Much Does a Father Pay for Child Support in Ontario?

The amount of child support a father pays is reflected by the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which take into account each parent’s income and the needs of the child. In general, the higher the income of the paying parent, the higher the child support payments will be if the other parent has sole custody. If the parents share joint custody, then the child support payments will usually be lower but still exist to help with the cost of raising the child.

Contact an Experienced Child Support Lawyer at All American Law Today

If you are in the process of getting a divorce, or if you are already divorced and need help with child custody and support, then contact a family law attorney at All American Law today. We are a top-rated law firm that specializes in helping people with family law matters, including child support. We are always available for consultations with prospective clients who face unique legal challenges, and we would be happy to help you too. All American Law is here for you every step of the way, so contact us today.