Practice Area Overview

Spousal & Child Support

Laguna Hills, California Spousal and Child Support Lawyer

Both child and spousal support are financial, legally binding obligations when included in a divorce settlement. While child support and spousal support are subject to modification under certain circumstances with the approval of the court, neither can be discharged due to bankruptcy, military service, or relocation outside the state of California. At the law office of family law attorney Donald Bebereia, I work closely with clients in negotiating and enforcing child support and spousal maintenance orders as part of divorce settlements and family law proceedings. In enforcement actions, I work with private investigators and forensic accountants in tracking down delinquent parents, ex-spouses and hidden assets, filing all necessary paperwork for the collection of child support and spousal maintenance in arrears.

If you have questions regarding child support or spousal support, contact family law attorney Donald Bebereia. I will evaluate your case and discuss the legal options available to you.

Child Support -- How Much Will I Pay?

In California, the amount of child support is determined by a standardized system of calculations. There is very little ambiguity involved in this process, and the ultimate figure reached is referred to as the Minimum Child Support Guideline amount. Among the factors taken into account are the following:

• The income of both parents
• The number of children in the family
• Monthly disposable income of high earner
• The timeshare that each parent has with the children

However, these factors can be affected by the following eligible deductions:

• Union dues
• State and federal tax
• Medical insurance costs
• Social Security contributions

An online child support calculator, while not as accurate as the child support calculator I use in my office can, nonetheless, provide you with a rough idea of the amount of child support involved in your case.

Spousal Support -- What's Involved

The determination of spousal support is more complex, involving a number of factors to be evaluated at the discretion of the judge. Typically, a judge will consider the length of a marriage, the standard of living a spouse is accustomed to, whether or not one spouse helped the other through school or in their professional career, and the degree to which a spouse is qualified to enter the job market.
In general, spousal support is intended to help a spouse maintain a certain standard of living while helping them towards self-sufficiency.

In marriages less the five years long, spousal support usually lasts half of the length of the marriage itself. It is also important to remember that spouses receiving spousal support are sometimes eligible to file under COBRA for coverage under their former spouse's medical benefits plan. If you're interested in maintaining medical coverage, I can help you fill out the necessary papers involved.

Contact Donald Bebereia Today

Child support and spousal support can be confusing and contentious -- no matter which side of the negotiating table you're on. At the law office of Donald Bebereia, I work closely with clients in order to ensure they're treated appropriately and fairly in any child support or spousal maintenance proceedings. To schedule an appointment and discuss your case, contact Donald Bebereia  today.

Special Hours Appointments - Credit Cards Accepted - Bilingual Services

I regularly serve clients throughout Orange County, including the communities of Santa Ana, Laguna Hills, Newport Beach, Riverside, San Diego, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Trabuco Canyon, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Irvine, and San Clemente.