Brea Child Support Lawyer

Brea Child Support Attorney

Child support is an extremely crucial part of ensuring children receive the financial resources they need after a separation or divorce. In California, both parents share responsibility for supporting their children. The specifics of a child support payment are typically determined based on income, custody arrangements, and the child’s specific developmental needs. Regardless of what type of support you need in these cases, a Brea child support lawyer can step in to help.

At Moranda Law Firm, APC, we work closely with parents to create quality child support arrangements that are both legally sound and meet the needs of everyone involved. Whether you are the paying or receiving parent in your situation, our team commits to ensuring your child receives the financial support they need without placing an unnecessary burden on either party. Our goal is to help you move forward with clarity and peace of mind for years to come.

Establishing Parentage Is the First Step

Before a court can order a new child support arrangement, legal parentage must be established on both ends. This is especially true for parents who were never married. Without this legal link, a parent cannot be ordered to pay support or receive it.

During the federal fiscal year 2022, there were 862 instances of parentage being established through court action, genetic testing, or voluntary acknowledgment through the Parentage Opportunity Program in Orange County, where Brea is located. Having these options in the county is great for helping families clarify parental rights and responsibilities early.

It’s essential because:

• It creates legal rights for the child in question, including access to financial support and health insurance
• It allows both parents to request custody, visitation, and support orders
• It gives the child the right to inherit or access each parent’s benefits

What Happens If You Ignore a Child Support Action?

If you fail to respond to a child support notice or court summons, it can have serious legal consequences. Ignoring a child support action does not make it go away. In fact, the court will take your lack of response as a sign that you agree with what was proposed. As a result, they may enter a default judgment against you.

This means:

• The court can finalize a support order without including your input
• Wages could be automatically garnished against you
• You may miss your opportunity to dispute inaccurate financial information or request adjustments

This is why it’s important not to wait until a default order is put in place. Responding early gives you a chance to present your side and ensure the outcomes reflect your actual circumstances.

The Cost of Falling Behind on Payments

Unpaid child support can quickly become more than just a balance to catch up on. It turns into an official form of legal debt. In Brea, interest begins to accrue immediately once child support becomes overdue. The annual interest rate is 10%. This can result in thousands of dollars in additional debt accumulating over time. It can make it even harder for the parent behind on payments to catch up.

Some typical consequences of unpaid child support payments include:

• Wage garnishment. The court can order your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck and send it directly to the other parent.
• Suspension of a driver’s or professional license. The state might suspend any of these licenses until you are caught up on payments. This can make it difficult for you to work and travel.
• Property liens and tax refund interceptions. This would prevent you from selling or refinancing your properties or collecting a tax refund until the debt is solved.
• Negative impact on credit scores. Poor credit can affect your ability to get a loan, rent a new home, or even secure some jobs.

If you are struggling to make payments, it’s important not to ignore the problem. Courts may allow modifications based on job loss, income changes, or any other significant life event. But for them to do this, you need to proactively take action to flag your struggle.

FAQs

How Much is a Child Support Lawyer?

The total cost of hiring a child support lawyer will depend on the complexity of your case, the attorney’s experience, and the region in which they operate. Some lawyers will charge a flat fee for their services, while others may choose to bill by the hour. If your case involves major disputes, multiple hearings, or modification requests, all these activities could increase your legal costs. Be sure to discuss finances upfront with your lawyer to ensure you can afford their services.

Is a Lawyer Worth it for Child Support?

Hiring a lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your child support case. A lawyer can help you understand your rights under California and federal law, gather the right documents, and present a strong argument in court. If you are looking to modify an order, challenge the amount initially suggested, or enforce payments, having legal guidance can be extremely valuable to seek the outcome you’re looking for.

Can I Modify a Child Support Order Without a Lawyer?

While it is possible to do this without a lawyer, it’s not recommended. Without having a formal background in family law, you could make mistakes along the way that unnecessarily delay the process or jeopardize reaching your goals. Having an attorney supervise the entire process ensures you avoid mistakes and no one takes advantage of your rights in the process.

What Should I Bring to My First Meeting With a Child Support Lawyer?

It’s helpful to bring any court documents you already have to your first meeting with a child support lawyer. This can include prior support orders, income statements, and custody agreements. Be ready to share details about your finances, living situation, and any communication you have had with the other parents involved. The more organized and transparent you are about your situation, the easier it will be for a lawyer to assess your case.

Brea Child Support Lawyer

If you need an attorney to help support your child support case, contact us today. At Moranda Law Firm, APC, we understand how important it is to secure an arrangement that meets your needs and cares for your child. We know exactly how to make that happen and are standing by, ready to get started.