FAQ Support Questions
How are child support payments calculated?
We get this question a lot, as it is fundamental to your support orders. The court first calculates the net disposable income of both parents. Next, they subtract the following amounts:
- State and federal tax obligations
- Mandatory union dues
- Necessary-job related expenses
- Health insurance premiums
- Financial hardships
Based on this number and other variables, the court will establish the final amount that each parent is ordered to contribute.
How long do child support payments continue?
Support orders expire when the child turns 18, unless they are still in high school full time and live with a parent. Support then ends when the child turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. Other reasons for terminated support payments include the marriage of a child or military enlistment.
What does timeshare have to do with child support?
Timeshare is the amount of time that each parent is fully responsible for the child. Child support payments will be arranged based on the parent's time spent with the child and is usually higher for the noncustodial parent.
Can my support order be retroactive?
Under the right circumstances, yes. A retroactive support order means that the court will start to enforce the order from the date that the petition for divorce is filed. If divorce papers are served in April, but support requests aren't filed till June, the court may require the payments to go back to April.
What happens if one parent is not working?
Parents often try to use unemployment as a way to get out of paying child support. Courts see right through this and will then calculate an amount of income for the nonworking parent based on their earning abilities. If the parent has the ability to work, it is unlikely that they will get out of paying support.
My former spouse is not paying support. Can you help me?
It is always unfortunate when one parent stops making their support payments. We want to assist you as much as possible to ensure that you receive the money you deserve. This may involve filing a motion for contempt and our Pasadena child support attorney can help you do so successfully. No matter how long it takes, we will fight for the preservation of your rights.
Call our Pasadena & Beverly Hills firm today to schedule your consultation and receive 24/7 legal support.
Read what our past clients have to say about us
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I used Ms. Graves services for my divorce last year and I found her and her staff to be very efficient. Sometimes when I was worried about something she would calm me down and say that everything was going to be OK. She was right every time. I would recommend her to anyone. She is a very good lawyer! Sabrina, her assistant, is great at responding quickly when you have a question. Thank you both for your services! - Sandra Castaneda- Sandra Castaneda
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I first made contact with the Law Offices of Demetria Graves back in a time where I needed advice and counsel in the most urgent and cost effective manner. I needed a strategy that could help me address my situation while supporting my budgetary challenges. I had solicited several firms prior to Demetria Graves and recognized rather quickly that she had the technical expertise I needed and was very reasonably priced. "Demetria has been very responsive and diligent in her actions to mitigate personal exposure on my part. She was very forthright in laying out the truth and reality associated with the process. Sometimes the truth in these situations isn't what you want to hear, but Demetria was very good a keeping it real and never sugar coating any personal exposure and/or financial commitments that will be imposed by the courts. For me the truth was essential and the truth is what clients can rely on from Demetria and her staff. "Because of Demetria's strategic approach to mitigating and minimizing my long-term damages, I am pleased to say I successfully got through the process and while I am committed to the financial support of another, I feel I was well represented and was able to weigh the options and make the right decision for my life moving forward. "Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases, while remembering the economics of it all. For this I am grateful and appreciative. It has allowed me to move on and begin a new chapter with brighter things to come. - Robert C. Harrelson- Robert C. Harrelson
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I have a small girl whom I've been completely involved with since her birth, despite her mother and I having never been married. We had a mutual agreement that the courts never needed to be involved, and everything would be 50/50. But eventually she filed for full custody, demanding I see my little girl 2 days a month. All this after 3 years without incident. Frankly, I was scared. She had retained an attorney, but I could not afford one. We ultimately came to an agreement which held briefly. I thought my child was residing out of town with her mother for 4 months, when in fact, she was only 12 minutes away. At this point I immediately asked a friend in the law field for help. That friend came up with Demetria L. Graves. Upon meeting Ms. Graves, I was immediately impressed with her demeanor. Previous potential counselors were unnecessarily "cut-throat." One went as far as to say "I'll get you full custody and MAKE her pay you support. We'll stick it to her!" This coming from a lawyer at a large and well-to-do firm. Demetria asked me what I wanted, as opposed to telling me what to do just to get even. She understood my position and respected it. Demetria also never hesitated to tell me when my approach to the situation was wrong. She moved quickly and her assistant, Sabrina, kept me informed every step of the way, via phone, email, and mail. Access to her newsletter led me to hold Demetria in even higher regard as a person truly dedicated to their field and wanting to help others understand it. I now have joint custody of my little girl, with equal time/expenses shared. All I wanted was fair treatment for my Baby Girl, which is; both parents in her life. I have, and will continue to refer Demetria Graves to anyone in need of counsel. - Crescen Bacon- Crescen Bacon
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I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria! - Ton Nelson- Ton Nelson
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I would like to thank the law office of Demetria Graves. You never know what life can throw at you, and contacting an attorney can be a sensitive time. When I first contacted the office, I was greeted by the staff with warmth and professionalism, and compassion. I appreciated this very much. In the event should I need legal services again, I will contact her office. Once again, thank you for the services regarding my case. - Amy Roberts- Amy Roberts
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I was going through a difficult time financially and was unsure about filing bankruptcy partly because of the complexity of it and mainly because of the social ramifications of doing so. Working with both Sabrina and Demetria was great! When there was something I didn't understand (even if they had to repeat themselves on numerous occasions), I was always treated with both respect and patience as they explained what it was I didn't grasp. I was even encouraged to meet Demetria so as to sit down and answer any final questions before she filed my paperwork. Even after the BK was discharged, they encouraged me to call if I had any more questions - which I did. They are a class-act to follow. I highly recommend anyone, who is contemplating filing a bankruptcy, to give their office a call and consult with Demetria so as to explore your options. It will be one of the most important phone calls in your financial life! - LS- LS
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I went to the Law office of Demetria Graves to discuss a unique and somewhat embarrassing situation regarding child support. Ms Graves sat down with me and took the time to fully understand my problem. Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case. - Anonymous- Anonymous
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When I came to see Demetria for the first time, I was confused and scared. However, Demetria has always been honest and straightforward about what I should expect. Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly - and there are many! She truly has been a breath of sanity in a sea of Chaos. - Eliot Trainer- Eliot Trainer
