When Does Child Support Begin After Divorce?
For parents undergoing divorce, the well-being of their children remains a paramount concern post-divorce just as it was during marriage. Ensuring financial stability is crucial to that well-being, and child support is designed to address this very concern. Whether you are the parent seeking support for your children or are the one being asked to pay, it’s important to understand that California courts don’t have to wait until the divorce is finalized before they can start ordering child support to be paid. Read on to learn more about this critical topic, and contact Blasser Law for help with child support or other divorce or family law matters in Los Angeles or the San Gabriel Valley.
Blasser Law, your trusted family law firm in Claremont, serving clients throughout Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, is here to guide you through this challenging period and answer a commonly asked question: When does child support begin after divorce?
What Is Child Support?
In the realm of California family law, child support refers to the financial support that a parent provides to assist with the costs associated with raising their child. This encompasses necessities such as food, clothing, housing, education, and healthcare. Since both parents are legally obligated to support their children financially, California courts continue this obligation post-divorce by requiring the noncustodial parent to pay monthly support to the custodial parent for the benefit of the children.
Initiation of Child Support in California
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Temporary Orders: The initiation of child support can actually begin before the divorce is finalized. Either parent can petition the court for temporary child support orders during the divorce process. These are short-term orders designed to provide financial relief until the divorce is complete.
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Final Judgment: If the issue of child support isn’t addressed through temporary orders, it will be determined and ordered at the time of the divorce’s final judgment. The order will indicate how much support is required and when payments should start.
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After the Hearing: The judge can also hold a hearing on child support whenever a request for child support is made, regardless of whether it is in the context of a divorce or not. If the judge decides to order child support, it will generally go into effect on the date of the hearing. However, the judge can also order retroactive support back to the date when the request was first filed with the court and served on the other party.
Calculating Child Support
California uses a specific formula to determine the amount of child support, taking into account factors such as:
- Income of both parents
- Percentage of time the child spends with each parent
- Tax implications
- Childcare expenses
- Healthcare costs
Blasser Law utilizes advanced tools and an in-depth understanding of the California child support system to ensure clients receive or pay fair child support amounts.
Why It’s Important to Start Child Support Quickly
Raising a child is a substantial financial endeavor. The sooner child support starts, the better it is for the child’s well-being and to ensure they maintain a standard of living similar to what they were accustomed to before the divorce. Once child support has been ordered, it is important to begin paying promptly; not adhering to child support orders can lead to serious legal consequences.
Call Blasser Law for Help With Child Support in Southern California
Divorce can be a tumultuous experience, especially when children are involved. At Blasser Law, our commitment is to provide comprehensive guidance and representation for our clients, ensuring their needs and goals are met. For help with child support or other family law matters in Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, call Blasser Law in Claremont at 877-927-2181.