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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.

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.

Things You Need to Know About Divorce during a Pandemic

Divorce or separation during the pandemic has brought new challenges. CNN comments, “For marriages and relationships involving the usual strife, the stress of job losses, shared housing, co-parenting and health insurance worries have been exacerbated by the pandemic.” Couples that are making the decision to divorce should know about how the pandemic is currently affecting the separation process. Learn more about some of the divorce factors impacted by COVID-19.

Slower Response Time for Court Cases

As family courts are starting to re-open, there are still a backlog of cases in the system. To remedy the response time, many cases are being switched to Zoom meetings, where couples are communicating virtually instead of face to face. However, even with the technology of Zoom, many couples still cannot make a joint decision about their children attending in-person school, asset division, and other crucial aspects of a divorce. If you are needed for in-court appearances, be prepared that it might take some time.

Asset Division May Be Harder to Value

Because of the volatility of the market due to COVID-19, market-based assets such as your retirement and savings plans, might be harder to value. Even so, items are valued as the day you officially separate. However, given the circumstances of the pandemic, things might not be paid out until later. Even valuing your home, if you are choosing to buy or sell, is harder to determine because of the changing housing markets. Talk with a lawyer to get more certainty before making a big decision.

Complications with Work Stability

With multiple waves of lockdowns and restrictions, job stability has been shaky. Many people have lost their jobs and are struggling to recover, which puts more stress on spouses having to make support payments. Divorce Mag writes, “If you think you might be the one making support payments, know that if you lose your job, you may have to continue to make payments until a court agrees to lower them. And if you are the one receiving payments, know they can be cut back at any time.”

What Now?

If you need a divorce lawyer in Orange County, contact the professional attorneys at Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates. We are offering remote and internet services for your legal needs. CALL FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AT 949-951-9529 TODAY!