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Navigating the Finer Points: When Does Child Support End in California?

If you’re a parent making child support payments, you’re likely wondering, “When does this financial responsibility come to an end?” According to California law, a parent’s duty to support their child continues until the child turns 18. It’s crucial, however, to be aware of significant exceptions. In this month’s blog, we’ll explore key scenarios where child support may end in California and how to end it.

The Child Gets Married

If the child gets married before turning 18, this event can lead to the termination of child support obligations. Marriage is considered a legal emancipation, indicating that the child is now assuming adult responsibilities independently. However, both married and unmarried parents should seek legal advice to formally address the conclusion of child support.

Related: Learn more about the rights and responsibilities of unmarried parents in California here.

Emancipation through Self-Support

An instance that might result in an early conclusion of child support, it’s if the child achieves self-sufficiency. Self-supporting, in this context, signifies the child attaining financial independence and no longer depending on parental financial aid.

For the court to acknowledge the child’s self-supporting status, the paying parent needs to furnish substantial evidence. It could be tax returns, bank statements, or showing that the child is independent for financial aid.

The Court Ends the Support or Custody Order

In some cases, the court may intervene to end child support or custody orders. This could be due to a change in circumstances, the child’s request, or other legal considerations. Parents must stay well-informed about any court decisions that might affect their child support obligations, especially when the child expresses a preference for a particular custody arrangement.

How Do I End Child Support?

Typically, to terminate child support, you must file a formal request in court known as a motion. You have to show the court or LCSA (local child support agency) that your child is self-supporting and is no longer reliant on parental assistance. Another important point is if you were the supporting parent but now have custody, file a motion to stop or seek support. Failing to modify the court order may let the other parent enforce it, even if your circumstances have changed.

Consult With Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates

We at Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates can help you understand your child support obligations or modify them. We will guide you in the termination process of your court order. Contact our office at (949) 951-9529 to ensure you are prepared for this legal transition. Let us assist you during these crucial moments.

Things to Consider Before Hiring a Lawyer for Your Business

Unexpected legal matters can occur that companies cannot resolve on their own and sooner or later, every business will need legal representation. When searching for an expert lawyer, find one who has the experience, knowledge, and professionalism your business needs to succeed. And most importantly, look for a lawyer who is ready to fight tooth and nail for your cause.

To help you choose the right one, we have worked diligently to compile this list of top things you have to consider before hiring a lawyer.

Know When You Need to Hire a Lawyer

If you have just started your business, we suggest you start communicating with a business lawyer. Inquire about the prices of basic services, such as initial legal advice or other matters related to the company. But, if you have decades in business, you may have your legal department. In this case, you don’t need a lawyer to settle your legal matters. But still, we suggest you keep in contact with a master lawyer.

Find a Lawyer Who Understands the Market or Is Willing to Do So

Yes, you need a general business attorney. But if the lawyer does not have any idea about your field of work or how it is managed, then there are bound to be disagreements. For instance, if your company manufactures agricultural machinery, it’s good to find a lawyer that also specializes in the agricultural industry.

However, a lawyer specializing in your industry isn’t always a requirement. It just means that your legal advisor must have a desire to know and understand what your company does every day and who are your main clients and strategic partners. You must analyze and clarify these matters in the legal plan.

Choose a Law Firm Suitable for the Size of Your Company

If your company is working towards becoming one of the mega businesses like Facebook, Amazon, or the next Tesla, then it is best to sign up for the services of large law firms. On the other hand, a newly launched company needs only a single legal advisor or lawyer rather than working a large law firm.

Conclusion

At a certain point, you will establish a professional relationship with a lawyer that will last throughout your career. At Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, we are ready to do the legwork and are committed to singularly working for you. Find more about our services here or call us at (949) 951-9529.

Hiring a Child Custody Lawyer? Here’s What You Need to Ask

Finding the right experienced and professional child custody lawyer who can understand your case and provide you with advice can be a daunting process. If you’re sitting there and wondering how to find a reliable custody attorney and what questions to ask, there’s no need to stress. We’ve compiled all the information and questions in this article so that you can go through them and find a good match for your case. 

Background Questions

If you wish to learn more about a custody attorney’s legal professional history and education, then you can ask them which law school and college they attended. You can also ask them how long they’ve been practicing law and how many cases they handle on average.

Inquire About Past Experience

Another question that you need to ask a custody lawyer is about their experience with custody cases and what sort of achievements they have accomplished. Plus, what kinds of strategies do they plan to use for your custody case?

Your Custodial Case Assessment

You can also get an assessment for your child custody case from the lawyer. Some relevant questions may include:

  1. What’s their opinion on your custody case? 
  2. Do you have to go for trials?
  3. Will mediation or arbitration be another option in your case?
  4. How long will it take to resolve the case, and what sort of outcome can you expect?
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Overall Cost and Fees

Once you learn more about their background and experience, the next most important question that you need to ask them is about their charges or fees. You can ask about how much they charge for their services per hour and if they require you to pay a retainer fee. Besides this, you can also ask about payment options. Will they accept fees via credit card, cash, or check? 

Management-Related Questions About Your Case

If you’re satisfied with all the information that was provided by the attorney during your meeting, but you still need more info about custody case management, here’s what you can ask:

  1. Will they be available to personally handle your child custody case or will any other support staff be working on the case? 
  2. How frequently will you be notified, or will the progress report be provided to you? 
  3. What is the best way to get in contact and maintain communication?
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What You Should Ask at the End of the Meeting

At the end of the meeting, ask the lawyer if there is any other legal information that you need to consider or know about. Lastly, before you decide on hiring a lawyer and completing the required paperwork, make sure to read and pay attention to every single detail before you sign any documents. 

Conclusion

One of the most important takeaways is that before visiting, make a list of the questions beforehand. It will increase the chances of you making a better decision, whether you plan to hire them or not. If you’re looking for a recommendation, then Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates is the best option. We have a team of experienced and highly qualified lawyers who will increase the chances of you winning your case. To get legal assistance, contact our law firm today. You can also visit our website for more information.

Why Should We Trust Lawyers?

According to a new study, many people are skeptical of lawyers, but in the greatest need they will ask their lawyers for help. This is a rule of thumb and a weird paradox at the same time. Many people become more doubtful about having confidence in lawyers because lawyers have a negative stigma. You can say that again, but still, we should trust them. We’re going  to talk about why you should trust them, so follow along in our blog.

To begin with, you have to understand that there are professions, such as a lawyer or a doctor, where they need and require complete faith from the client so they can perform properly. For instance, a lawyer will try to save you by any means, and to achieve that, the client has to be honest with them and hide nothing.

They Fight for You 

Talk is cheap, and people just keep releasing rumors that lawyers are overcharging for their services. It might be true for some, surely not the case for most of them, but let’s be honest, no one works for free, and it should be noted that even if it costs you an arm and a leg, they deserve it, just like doctors, university professors, etc.

The Work You See Is Only The Tip Of The Iceberg

You probably focus solely on the money you give to the lawyer, but what about the work they do behind closed doors? They burn the midnight oil working on your case and do everything in their power in order to fight for you. They are meticulous at each stage of the case, from collecting information to writing a professional letter.

Conclusion

In summary, people need to trust lawyers, whether they win or lose the case. One of the most important takeaways is that working with experienced lawyers and having confidence in them will increase the chance of winning your case. At Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, we have the best-experienced lawyers in Orange County. Contact our law firm to get the legal assistance you need. You can also visit our website here for more information.

Legal Separation vs. Divorce

When married couples find themselves at a crossroads it’s often a choice between separation and divorce. What separates these legal processes can be confusing and most couples are often left with more questions than answers. In this month’s blog, we define and clearly distinguish the similarities and differences between filing for legal separation vs filing for divorce in California.

Definitions

A legal separation is defined as an ordered agreement in which married couples have legally defined boundaries and responsibilities. This is often a three to four month process that couples take prior to filing for an official divorce sometimes due to financial or religious reasons, or because it was required by a judge. A separation can be reversed in court upon all parties’ agreement in the decision.

Divorce is the irreversible legal dissolution of a marriage in court. This process will take at least six months of hearings, negotiations, and court ordered agreements before it will be finalized by a judge and made permanent.

The Similarities

It is not necessary for both spouses to agree to end a marriage when separating or divorcing. In California, couples filing for these processes also do not have to prove that there was a ‘fault’ by either spouse that lead to the decision.

Throughout both of these processes couples will have to agree on the terms of child custody and support, alimony, child visitation, attorney’s fees, and the division of assets or property. So essentially, the settlement agreement in a legal separation is almost identical to a divorce settlement agreement.

The Major Differences

The main difference between legal separation and divorce is that when a legal separation is finalized, the parties do not revert to “single person” status. This is important to note for taxes and health insurance reasons. Ultimately, the most notable difference between legal separation and divorce is that divorce is final.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you know is preparing for divorce or legal separation in Southern California, it’s crucial that obtaining a lawyer comes first and foremost. When choosing Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates as your counsel you will benefit from decades of industry experience combined with a reputation for honesty and success. Visit our website or call us today at (949) 951-9529 for your free initial consultation.

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