Child Support FAQ Put a Board Certified Family Law Specialist In Your Corner

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

    “I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm.”
    I would like to take this opportunity to thank Demetria for the excellent work I received from her firm. When I first came to her office with my child custody case, I was distraught and afraid of what was to come in the months ahead. She was considerate and compassionate and best of all she gave me hope, which I had not received from any other attorney. I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm. - Aurora
    - Aurora
    “I have, and will continue to refer Demetria Graves to anyone in need of counsel.”
    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
    “Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people.”
    I came into Attorney Graves office as I imagine most do, at one of the worst times in my life. I was full of anger and questions, and I needed help. Demetria started answering my questions, and immediately helped me understand the process and the best ways to get through it. Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people. She was there to help me get the best results, and came through every time, including helping me retain custody of my three kids. I have already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so. - Brian Beck
    - Brian Beck
    “I would recommend her to anyone.”
    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
    “I am very appreciative of her efforts and will most definitely call her should I need her services again.”
    I cannot express enough my gratitude for the efforts made to my case. Demetria was truly attentive, patient and essentially was able to close my case with ease. I am very appreciative of her efforts and will most definitely call her should I need her services again. - John Williams
    - John Williams
    “Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case.”
    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
    “In the event should I need legal services again, I will contact her office.”
    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
    “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.”
    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

Get started today

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
  • Reliable Commitment with Guarantees
    Demetria's credentials as a Board Certified Family Law Specialist and recognition as a Super Lawyer and Woman of the Year underscore our commitment to excellence in every aspect of your family law journey.
  • Personalized Approach for Real Solutions
    We take a personal interest in understanding your family dynamics and goals. Our down-to-earth legal services focus on developing a tailored case management plan to achieve realistic and efficient solutions for your unique situation.
  • Compassionate Guidance and Support
    Our compassionate staff is dedicated to providing empathetic guidance through divorce, child custody, and other family law matters, helping you move forward with understanding and support.