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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.

Types of Child Custody You Need To Know

Divorce is a very sensitive matter, and when children are involved in a divorce, there may be an impact on their emotional and mental health. Therefore, it becomes important for both parents to deal with this matter with the utmost care and consciousness. So, if you’re a divorcing couple and wish to learn more about the process of child custody, continue reading.

Types of Child Custody

There are two different types of custody. The following are:

1. Physical custody

a. Joint

b. Sole

2. Legal custody

a. Joint

b. Sole legal

Let’s learn about both custodies in detail.

  1. Physical custody

Physical custody helps in determining what percentage of time the child lives with each parent.

Factors The Court May Consider When Awarding Physical Custody

  • Which child is going to school?
  • Where is the child currently living?
  • Which parent is more attentive to the child’s physical, emotional, educational, and special needs?
  • Which parent has spent more time with the child?

2. Legal custody

Legal custody gives more rights to one parent to make major decisions about their child’s:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Religious Upbringing
  • Doctor, Dentist, Orthodontist, or Other Healthcare Professionals (except in emergency situations)
  • Sports, Summer Camps
  • Travel and Vacation
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Residence

In addition, in legal custody, either parent can decide alone; both parents do not have to agree on every decision about these aspects of their children’s lives. But to avoid ending up back in court and having more conflicts, it is suggested that both parents should communicate with each other and cooperate in making decisions together for the wellbeing of their children.

The Bottom Line

For a comprehensive overview of the child custody and visitation process, contact the team at Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates. We are well-versed in California laws and will work directly with you to reach your desired results. Contact our firm today at (949) 951-9529 or visit our website for further information.

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.