Los Angeles Child Support Attorney

Protect Your Child's Future with Our Legal Support

In California, since 1992, child support has been determined by the courts following uniform guidelines. Many parents are unsure how the guideline formula applies to their unique situation, especially when there are variable work schedules, multiple children, or questions about health care and childcare costs. Our child support attorney in Los Angeles can explain how these factors are treated in court and what documentation you will need during divorce or separation. We can also help you understand how support orders are enforced through the Los Angeles Superior Court system and what steps to take if you fall behind or believe the current order is no longer fair.

Build fair and accurate arrangements with help from a knowledgeable Los Angeles child support attorney. Call (323) 212-5599 or connect with Castellanos & Associates, APLC online. ¡Hablamos español!

How Our Los Angeles Child Support Lawyers Can Help

We are committed to providing affordable, high-quality family law representation for our clients throughout the Los Angeles area. Our Los Angeles-based child support attorneys understand how difficult this time in your life may be, and we are here to help ease the legal process as much as possible.

When you work with a child support lawyer who Los Angeles judges and court staff see regularly in the family law courts, you gain guidance from a team that understands local procedures and expectations. We can assist with preparing and reviewing financial disclosures, representing you at hearings in the Los Angeles Superior Court family law divisions, and negotiating parenting-time arrangements that may affect guideline support. Our goal is to give you clear, realistic advice so you can make informed choices about settlement, mediation, or litigation while keeping your child's needs at the center of every decision.

Understanding California's Updated Child Support Laws in 2023

California's 2023 child support law updates the existing child support calculation methods. The law emphasizes that both parents should contribute to their child's financial needs. The court considers the following factors when determining child support:

• Both parents hold mutual responsibility for the support of their children, taking into account each parent's actual income and level of responsibility
• The interests of the child are held at top priority
• The child's financial needs are met through private financial resources as much as possible
• Children should receive fair, timely, and sufficient support reflecting the appropriate standard of living and high costs of raising a child in California

While the formula is standardized, it relies on several key inputs related to income, parenting time, and child-related expenses to arrive at an appropriate support amount, including

• Each parent’s gross income, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income
• Parenting time (timeshare), or how much time the child spends with each parent
• The number of children requiring support
• Tax filing status and mandatory deductions (federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare)
• Health insurance premiums paid for the child
• Work-related childcare costs
• Required union dues or retirement contributions
• Any existing child or spousal support obligations

In many cases, parents first encounter these laws at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or another Los Angeles Superior Court family law location, and the process can feel rushed or confusing. We help parents understand how state guidelines interact with local court practices, including how judges typically evaluate income, overtime, bonuses, and self-employment earnings. By reviewing your situation before you appear in court, we can prepare you for what to expect and help you present a clear picture of your finances and your child's day-to-day needs.

When Does Unpaid Child Support Become a Felony in California?

In California, reaching $2,500 in child support arrears triggers a federal administrative penalty: you are entered into the Passport Denial Program, making you ineligible for a new or renewed U.S. passport.

While chronic non-payment is a crime under Penal Code § 270 (Child Neglect), it is not legally classified as "theft." Most cases are handled as misdemeanors, though it can be charged as a felony if you willfully refuse to pay after a court has legally confirmed your parentage.

Falling behind on payments can also lead to wage garnishments, liens, intercepted tax refunds, and other serious collection actions through agencies that work closely with the courts in Los Angeles County. If you are worried about past-due support or believe the current amount is no longer realistic based on a change in income, we can help you explore options for enforcement or modification. Addressing these issues early often gives you more choices, whether you are seeking to collect overdue support or need to request a change to avoid more severe legal consequences.

Modifying And Enforcing Child Support Orders In Los Angeles

Child support orders are not always permanent, and many families experience changes in income, employment, or parenting time that make the original order unworkable. In Los Angeles, a parent may ask the court to modify support when there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, a promotion, or a substantial shift in the number of overnights a child spends with each parent. We guide parents through gathering updated financial records, preparing the necessary court forms, and presenting a clear explanation of what has changed since the original order was made. Our goal is to help you pursue a modification that reflects your current reality while remaining focused on your child’s ongoing needs.

Enforcement is just as important for parents who are not receiving the support ordered by the court. If payments have stopped or are consistently late, we can help you understand the tools available through the Los Angeles Superior Court and local support agencies, including wage assignments, contempt actions, and other enforcement remedies. For parents who have fallen behind, we also discuss practical options, such as negotiating payment plans or seeking a lawful adjustment of the order when appropriate, so you are not facing these issues alone. By addressing modification and enforcement proactively, you can protect your child’s financial stability and reduce the stress of ongoing disputes.

Get a Free Consultation with Our Child Support Lawyers in Los Angeles

With bilingual services, our team at Castellanos & Associates, APLC proudly serves a diverse and growing community throughout Los Angeles. We understand that child support matters can be stressful and emotionally charged, especially when they affect your financial stability and your child’s well-being. Our child support attorneys take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your unique circumstances, and provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your goals.

Whether you are seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce unpaid support, our experienced child support and divorce lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights and your child’s best interests. We combine legal knowledge with a compassionate, client-focused approach so you can make informed decisions at every stage of your case.

Protect your child’s future with skilled representation. Contact a dedicated Los Angeles child support attorney at Castellanos & Associates, APLC. Call (323) 212-5599 or request your free consultation online today.