Child Support in Divorce and Paternity cases is a special focus of the Law Offices of Duane Henry (925-825-5010). We also deal with DCSS (the Department of Child Support Services) on your behalf.
Whether you are the payor or the recipient of child support, you will find well-trained, experienced and expert assistance at the Law Offices of Duane Henry. We handle divorce and paternity cases exclusively, so that we know those areas of law thoroughly and can provide legal and mediation services with respect to child support at a reasonable cost. We don't have to "reinvent the wheel" (or "re-learn the wheel") just for you and at your expense.
If you or your ex-spouse lose your jobs or have a significant increase or decrease in income, please contact the Law Offices of Duane Henry promptly as you are likely entitled to a child support modification and such modification will not be retroactive to the event unless we file court papers for you immediately. We handle such modifications frequently and on a routine basis. Contact us if you suspect that one of these changes may have happened to your ex-spouse as we can help you find out for sure.
We are constantly involved with child support issues representing both mothers and fathers (in approximately equal numbers), whether they be payors or recipients of child support.
We practice exclusively in Contra Costa County courts, so we know the leanings and preferences of Contra Costa judges and can tailor your case appropriate. We often can negotiate or mediate your child support issues to get you a good deal without going to court. However, if the other side is uncooperative, we have many years of litigation experience and training to get you in and out of court with a good result at as reasonable a cost as possible.
As a general rule, assuming the child is at least 18, California child support lasts until the earlier of the following two events:
1. The child turns 19, or
2. The child graduates from high school.
Child support is calculated based upon a mathematical formula (often referred to as "dissomaster") set forth in California statutes. The mathematical formula is primarily controlled by two factors:
1. The comparative parenting time between the two parents, and
2. The comparative after-tax income of the two parents.
Although computer calculations applying this mathematical formula are available on the internet and at the Facilitator's office at the courthouse, the real "art" to determining proper child support is in determining what the correct numbers for the many inputs into the mathematical formula are. There is extensive case law addressing and defining the various inputs. Income can even be imputed although the payor or recipient is not actually earning that much. This takes more expertise and personal analysis than you can find on the internet or obtain at the Facilitator's office. The difference can be a significant amount of money over the 18 to 19 years of a child's life. The Law Offices of Duane Henry will make sure the the correct numbers, the ones most favorable to you as permitted by law, are input into the formula.
Please contact the Law Offices of Duane Henry to discuss any questions that you may have regarding child support.
The Law Offices of Duane Henry serves divorce and family law clients and Divorce Mediation Services clients in all of Contra Costa County, including Alamo, Antioch, Baypoint, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Crockett, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, Richmond, Rossmoor, San Pablo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek
If you have a divorce law question, a question about child support, a question about divorce mediation, want more information in general, or want a free initial consultation, please call the Law Offices of Duane Henry at 925-825-5010 at any time, including evenings and weekends. An attorney (not a screener) will answer your call directly or return your voicemail promptly.
