Changing or Ending Child Support Payments

An initial determination in the amount you pay as part of child support is made during the divorce process. The purpose behind child support mandates is to give the child the same quality of life as they had when their parents were together.

While child support payments are simple in theory, Los Angeles family court lawyers will tell you that the emotions and logistics that go into these matters often make them much more complicated. At the Law Offices of Nigel Burns, our Los Angeles child support lawyers are well versed in the state’s family court laws and are experienced in litigating and negotiating child support payment amounts. 

Our law firm will work around the clock to make sure you are treated fairly and don’t receive a child support order that breaks the bank. We will fight adamantly for your rights and your children’s best interests.

The financial status of both parents is considered when determining the amount of child support that must be paid to the primary caregiving parent. The amount of child support you have to pay will be based on your financial situation at the time of the divorce, but both parents’ financial situations are likely to change. That statement is most relevant in the years immediately following a divorce proceeding. 

Whether you are paying too much money or not receiving enough, you should hire a child support lawyer in LA to look into changing this amount for you.  

Modifying Child Support Payments 

There are a variety of reasons why separated parents might want to change the amount of child support that is paid. People often request to change the amount of child support following significant life changes related to:

• Income or the earning potential of each parent
• Amount of additional income of each parent
• Number of children the parents have together
• Amount of time each parent spends with their child
• Number of children from other relationships
• Health insurance
• Tax filing status of each parent
• Mandatory union dues or retirement contributions
• Daycare costs
• Other relevant factors

If you’ve lost your job or the parent of your child recently got a large raise or promotion, then you can ask the court to modify the amount of child support. The courts will make their decision based on the current financial circumstances of both parents. 

If you are not sure whether your new situation will result in a decrease or increase, you can consult your lawyer for family issues to help you calculate the new estimates for the amount you pay. Then, you will feel confident enough to file papers to go to family court. 

Ending Child Support

If you want to terminate your child support payments, it will be an uphill battle for you and your Los Angeles lawyer for child support. Child support payments can be tedious and stressful for you, especially if you are paying these fees on top of monthly alimony, but the California courts generally do not allow for the early termination of payments.

Stopping child support payments in California has to be a mutual agreement reached by both parents. The three most common reasons include:

• The parents of the child decide to get back together: If the parents reconcile and decide to get back together, their combined household eliminates the reason for child support payments. In this situation, the parent who received the child support payments should go to the California family court and explain why they want to stop receiving child support payments.
• The recipient's financial situation has changed: If the parent that receives child support gets a new, higher-paying position or receives a hefty inheritance, then they may not need to help them financially anymore. If this is the situation, you could decide to terminate child support payments. You’re not obligated to do this, but your ex can request a modification in the amount they receive without your involvement. When they receive this request, the courts can decide to reduce or stop child support payments.
• Circumstances have changed for the parent responsible for child support: If your financial situation changes for the worse, your ex may voluntarily give up the payments they receive to ease your financial burden. When they go to the courts to request a modification, the courts will review both your financial situations and make a decision.

It’s unusual that child support payments stop prematurely; in most cases, they stop once the child is an adult or moves out.

When Do Child Support Payments Naturally End?

Child support naturally terminates when the child turns 18 years old since they are legally an adult. There are a few exceptions, including situations where the child is still a full-time high school student or lives with a parent. Then, the child support payments would end when they turn 19 years old or when they graduate high school, whichever comes first.

Additionally, child support in California will end if the child gets married, joins the military, or passes away.  

About the Law Offices of Nigel Burns 

The Law Offices of Nigel Burns is a law firm for family issues, like those surrounding marriage, divorce, and adoption. These are personal matters, so it’s natural to become emotionally invested in your civil lawsuit; our attorneys can handle the legal process to minimize any stress that you may feel. Our attorneys are experts in civil litigation, ensuring that your lawsuit brings you the most favorable results. Our attorneys can help litigate: 

• Restraining orders
• Divorce
• Child support
• Child custody
• Property division
• Trust and probate litigation  

Our attorneys can also help you pursue compensation if you were in an accident and need to sue for damages. If you suffered a car wreck, bike accident, or were hit by a car as a pedestrian, we can get your personal injury lawsuit started. Our offices are located across greater Los Angeles, so accessibility shouldn’t be a problem. We’re also offering virtual services due to COVID-19. To see our full list of contact options, click here.