As parents consider filing for divorce in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA, one of the most contentious issues involves child support. Except in cases of extremely high-income individuals, the state applies a formula to calculate the minimum amount of child support a noncustodial parent will be obligated to pay. The calculation considers the parents' income and any expenses for a child's special needs, as well as any child support obligations from a previous marriage.
Specific issues related to child support are open to negotiation in a mediated settlement. These can include:
When couples begin the mediation process and start talking about child support guidelines and real dollars, economic reality comes into play. Prior to discussing child support you will be asked to fill out an income and expenses statement. The parties review each other's income and expenses, particularly against what the state formula dictates. Each person has the benefit of coming to mediation informed with real numbers about the real costs of raising a child. Throughout mediation, we take this information into consideration until finding a workable settlement.
With real numbers in hand, it is easier for parties to see child support as a means of protecting the child's welfare, rather than as partly alimony or spousal support. During mediation, the parties work to find an amount that makes financial sense for all parties. Child support is where the rubber meets the road in terms of economic reality.
Mediation is a proven way for parties to remain in control of the costs and emotions that are often part of child support disputes. Our attorney has been a Los Angeles and Orange County, CA divorce mediation professional for more than 25 years. We have seen parties use mediation to close gaps that would have taken lawyers many hours and thousands of dollars to litigate in court.
As an experienced child support mediation attorney serving Newport Beach, Irvine and other cities in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA, our lawyer understands your concerns about child support. We provide Los Angeles and Orange County, CA divorce mediation and family law negotiation services for clients throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, CA. Contact our office to arrange a free consultation about mediation services.
Our attorney has held the highest AV Preeminent rating* in the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating system since 1984. He has been listed among America's Best Lawyers for Los Angeles and Orange County, CA family law, and enjoys a current listing among the Los Angeles Times Super Lawyers for Los Angeles and Orange County, CA.
We can be reached at 714-703-8840, or use the convenient email form to arrange an initial consultation to discuss your family law mediation needs today.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.
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