Torrance Child Support Lawyer

Michael D. Shook, Attorney At Law, has represented families in child support cases since 1994. Trust him to put his decades of experience to work for you. Whether you are vying for adequate child support or want an attorney to advocate for a fair divorce settlement that involves child support, you can turn to him. 

Attorney Shook offers affordable legal services and free initial consultations. These things combined make it easy for families who need representation to retain his services and reap the benefits of having a veteran of the Los Angeles County courts on their side. Are you interested in discovering how Torrance child support lawyer Michael D. Shook could assist you?

Call (310) 361-2977 to schedule a free case review. 

California’s Child Support Guidelines

California law requires parents to financially support children until they graduate or turn 19, whichever happens first. For divorced couples, this means they must determine how to share financial responsibility. At times, couples can mutually agree on child support payments. In other cases, California courts must determine who pays child support and calculate how much they should pay. 

Generally, the parent earning more money will be responsible for child support. The amount this parent must pay depends on the state’s guidelines. 

The guidelines account for the following:

• The income of each parent. 
• The amount of time either parent spends with the child or children. 
• The tax history of each parent. 
• Other factors a judge deems relevant. 

When couples have more than one child, judges will typically multiply the base support payments for one child by incremental amounts. Parents might also have to pay for add-ons, which cover the costs of childcare and healthcare. 

Changing a Child Support Amount 

The parent who pays child support or receives it can request a modification. 

Courts will grant these on occasions that include but are not limited to when:

• A parent loses a job. 
• A parent becomes employed or gets a new job. 
• Either parents’ family changes size. 
• Either parent goes on deployment. 
• Parents alter visitation or custody agreements. 

To request a change in child support payments, a person must petition for it with a California court. Petitioning requires supporting documentation that can include financial records, employment records, the visitation or custody agreement, and other items that demonstrate a need for modification. 

Local Child Support Solutions in Torrance 

Living in Torrance, you understand the unique challenges of raising a family in this vibrant community. The local cost of living and the demands of providing for your children can make child support a critical issue. Michael D. Shook, Attorney At Law, is well-versed in the intricacies of the Torrance area and Los Angeles County, ensuring that your child support arrangements are fair and sustainable.

Navigating the child support system can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and the California Courts Self-Help Center are valuable resources for understanding your rights and obligations. While these entities provide essential information, having a dedicated attorney like Michael D. Shook can make a significant difference in your case.

In Torrance, many families face the challenge of balancing work and family life. Whether you're dealing with job changes, shifts in custody arrangements, or other life events, these can all impact your child support situation. Michael D. Shook understands these local pain points and is committed to helping you navigate them effectively. His deep knowledge of the local court systems and community resources ensures you receive the support you need. 

If you're a resident of Torrance or the surrounding areas, you can trust Michael D. Shook to provide personalized legal services tailored to your specific needs. He knows the local landscape and is dedicated to helping you achieve a fair and just outcome in child support matters.