Child Support Lawyer in Novato, Marin County

When you are getting divorced and have a child, or children, one of the key issues that will be decided is child support. A judge analyzes child support in relation to the other critically important issue, child custody. For example, if you are granted full custody of your child, then a judge will likely order your spouse to pay child support so you can handle the financial obligations associated with raising a child. An experienced Novato family law attorney can help you navigate the complexities and deal with any necessary child support modifications.  

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Child Support Laws in California are Unique

Child support laws in California are unique and vary greatly when compared to alimony laws in other states. For example, California courts adhere to a specific set of guidelines to determine the amount of child support that will be ordered.

California Family Code Section 4053 governs the allocation of child support in California. You should know that both parents are responsible for providing financial support to the development and progress of their child, or children. In certain instances, one parent will be ordered to provide more financial support than the other parent, but it is generally based on what is in the best interests of your child, or children.

How Child Support is Calculated

The guidelines governing the allocation of child support include the following:

  • Your income
  • Your Spouse’s Income
  • The Number Of Children Involved  in your divorce
  • Your child’s healthcare expenses
  • Your child’s education expenses
  • Whether you or your spouse are currently supporting a child from a prior relationship

Things to keep in mind For

Child Support & Income

What Happens When You or Your Spouse Does Not Work and Has No Income

If one parent did not work and has not earned taxable income in a number of years, there is a very good chance that the other parent will be ordered to provide a larger amount of child support to ensure their child maintains their standard of living.

What Happens If Your Spouse Suddenly Quits Their Job and Claims to Have No Income?

There are instances when a parent will try to avoid paying child support by quitting their job and/or reducing their hours in a concerted effort to limit their exposure to a larger child support order. However, judges in California are empowered to “impute” income to the parent who engages in these deceptive actions.

Parents Can Negotiate an Amicable Child Support Order

It is important to know that parents have the opportunity to reach an amicable agreement when it comes to child support. Once an agreement is reached, it will be submitted to the judge for review and approval. However, it is important to ensure that your child support agreement contains the following information:

The parents expressly state that they understand their legal rights

Neither parent was forced or coerced to enter into the support agreement

The parents believe that the support agreement is in the best interest of their child, or children

If the court finds that the child support agreement contains an amount that is in fact in best interest of your child, or children, it will approve the agreement and issue a child support order.

 

Testimonials

Jeremy Castro helped me with an adoption after my daughter’s dad passed away. My husband has been a step dad to her for 8 years and wanted to adopt her. Even though there is no way he can completely fill the role of her deceased father, he wanted to fully be there for her and offer comfort and emotional support for her. Jeremy and his wife Danielle were there every step of the way for us! I’m so grateful they were there to help with all of our questions and guide us though this process. Jermey’s passion for helping bring families together was so delightful.
Erin C
This review is about my experience with Jeremy and team at Castro Law. After calling around numerous times to different firms, going to the law library, and reaching out to dads rights advocates. I still didn’t get much help. I made the best choice of my life by calling Castro Law. If you’re reading this I recommend at least giving them a call because they mean business. I finally feel at peace , they went above and beyond for me. The team is great at communicating, very knowledgeable, helpful, and are professional. In my experience mothers are the one favored in the courts, and get the better outcome. Jeremy and team were in my corner the whole time and proved that dads have rights too! Im with this team until my kids are 18 , thanks again Castro Law
Jessica G
I highly recommend Jeremy Castro and his associates to any future clients. They are legal professionals who: 1. Know and apply the law to your individual case to achieve the best possible outcome 2. Communicate in a fair and straightforward manner to all parties 3. Reduce the tension in an otherwise emotional setting and assist making objective decisions. They personally saw my case through to an amicable conclusion and their billing hours were appropriate. First class performance!
John C
I wanted to take this time to write a review about my experience with Castro Law Offices. First off, they were not only FAST to my reply, but also very kind to my emotional situation. I was even handed some tissues for when I was crying. I was treated with the upmost respect (even though I'm sure I looked a little manic while in there explaining my case.) and kindness. They got my case close within a week, and also got me EVERYTHING I was asked for. I recommend Castro Law for ANYONE in need of lawyer assistance. Jeremy and his team work hard, day and night to make sure they meet all of their client's needs. If you're looking for immediate help and guidance with ANY attorney, Castro Law.
Lacey M
When things came to a point of contention with my children's father I knew I needed the help of an attorney. After weeks long search and hundreds of dollars in consultation fees with numerous other attorneys I finally found Jeremy! He is very knowledgeable regarding family law issues, authentic in his character and legal advice, as well as very reliable. As anyone in our shoes has been knows, the unknown can be very stressful. Jeremy made it a point to get back to me promptly when I contacted him...sometimes late into the night. He also was very transparent regarding communication with the other party. Would absolutely recommend Jeremy to anyone with with family law needs!
Krystal W
I was so happy I had decided to hire the Castro Law Office for my child custody and visitation case in Napa County. As a single father of three boys in the state of California, I felt as if I was already doomed thinking that the state would favor the mother regardless of my capability to care for our children. Jeremy was very empathetic and worked diligently to get myself in a good position for the hearing, as I hired him approximately a month prior to the court date. During the hearing, he was very stern and aggressive at the right moments. The situation I was in was extremely stressful and hiring the Castro Law Office helped put my mind at ease. He was very upfront and honest with me from the beginning and which is a trait I greatly appreciated. In the end, we were able to obtain an agreement that is best suited for the children and ourselves. I would hire them again for any other issues I might have in the future.
Abraham B

Have Questions About Your Rights And Obligations Related To Child Support?

If You Have Questions About Your Legal Rights And Obligations Pertaining To Child Support, Castro Law Offices, P.C. Is Ready And Able To Help.

Castro Law Offices, P.C. is a premier California law firm specializing in child support issues, divorce, child custody, and all other issues concerning domestic relations. Castro Law Offices, P.C. is based in Novato, California, but is ready and able to provide legal services and advice to clients in and around Marin County including Novato, San Rafael, Greenbrae, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Sausalito, Larkspur, West Marin, Ross, Mill Valley and Corte Madera. Contact Castro Law Offices, P.C. today to schedule a confidential consultation.