Fontana Child Support Lawyer

Fontana Child Support Attorney

Navigating the world of family law, especially when it involves children, can be incredibly overwhelming, emotional, and confusing. Fortunately, clarity and resolution are options with the help of a Fontana child support lawyer.

At Edgar & Dow, there are family lawyers who can explain every step of the child support legal process, advocate for you, and assist you in the pursuit of your desired outcomes.

What Are the Steps of a Child Support Case in California?

There are approximately a million child support cases statewide and dozens of child support agencies across California, including the San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS).

The Superior Court of California, on Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, handles child support services as well. In addition to these resources, hiring a Fontana child support lawyer can help you navigate the California child support legal process.

Overall, there are roughly 10 steps you need to take in order to sort out a child support agreement. They are:

1. Enrolling in child support. California Child Support Services (CCSS) has plenty of resources to help you start the enrollment process.
2. Locating the parent(s), if necessary. Before the child support process can move forward, both parents must be located. This may prove to be very easy if both parents are local and aware that they share a child. Still, sometimes, the location of a parent may be unknown, and it is necessary that they be located prior to moving forward.
3. 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 the allotted time, you may be assigned a default payment without your financial circumstances being taken into consideration.
4. Establishing legal parentage. Upon receiving a summons and complaint packet, you will need to establish that you are legally the parent of the child in need of support. This can be done through documentation of marriage at the time of the child’s birth, but a DNA test is also an option. One free resource is the California Parentage Opportunity Program (POP).
5. Creating a stipulated agreement. If both parents can reach an agreement in regard to 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.
6. Setting the child support order. If the parents of the child cannot come to a stipulated agreement, a court date will be set. If you do not have a child support lawyer in Fontana helping you by this point, this is the time you should do so.
7. Making payments. Once the court or a stipulated agreement has decided on a set amount of child support, it is important that the parent charged with making payments does so in full and on time. One fast way to make a child support payment is with the use of California Child Support Services, where you can make regular payments through the portal.
8. Enforcing the child support order. If need be, the court will enforce the child support order, and there will be penalties if you fail to keep up with these payments. Some of these penalties can include the suspension of your driver’s license and/or passport, intercepting lottery winnings and tax refunds, and issuing bank or property liens. Unpaid child support payments in California will be charged interest.
9. Changing the child support order. Sometimes, things change, leading to the need to revise the child support order. An example of this is changes with your job, i.e., losing your job, changing jobs, or getting promoted.
10. Closing the child support order. When the child becomes 18, the child support agreement is no longer needed and will, therefore, be closed.

FAQs About Fontana, CA, Child Support Laws

How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost in California?

The final cost of a child support lawyer in California tends to vary based on influential factors that are unique to each case. Examples of this are how long it takes for your case to be resolved, the level of complexity your case presents, and the lawyer you choose to hire. At Edgar & Dow, there are lawyers ready to help you in your pursuit of familial rights, building cases worthy of every penny spent.

What Amount of Back Child Support Is Considered a Felony in California?

According to Title 18 of the US Code § 228(a)(3), if child support goes unpaid for two or more years or reaches $10,000, it is a felony. If you are convicted, you may face time in prison and be made to pay fines. Hiring a child support lawyer can help you avoid this, as they can negotiate affordable payments on your behalf.

Can I Represent Myself in My Child Support Case?

It is perfectly legal in California to represent yourself in a child support case, but, generally speaking, you will most likely benefit more from having a skilled child support lawyer 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 bring you peace of mind.

How Much Do Most Fathers Pay for Child Support in California?

How much you pay in California for child support factors in several different elements, including but not limited to the income of both parents, the amount of time each parent spends with the child(ren), health and childcare costs, as well as any additional expenses, such as educational or recreational.

Once your child support lawyer has been able to better grasp what these costs may look like, they can help you negotiate an affordable and fair child support payment.

Get Help Today

Being separated from your child can be incredibly emotional and overwhelming. Having to then navigate the complex world of family law adds yet another layer of confusion. Fortunately, you do not need to shoulder this burden alone.

Lawyers at Edgar & Dow are prepared to put in the time it takes to help you pursue your desired outcomes. Their compassion and knowledge can free you up to focus on your family, bringing you peace of mind as they walk you through every step of the child support legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.