Los Angeles Child Support Modification Attorney
Los Angeles Family Law Lawyer
Are your Los Angeles child support payments too high? Have you fallen behind on payments because you simply cannot afford the ordered monthly amount when the economy seems so unstable?
You have a right to petition for a child support modification, and a family law lawyer experienced with the California child support guidelines can help. At the Los Angeles, California, Law Offices of Elena Mebtahi, we are knowledgeable and experienced in helping people just like you to seek modifications of burdensome child support obligations if there have been changed circumstances in your life or the life of your child's other parent.
Please do not wait to act while your child support arrears pile up. Contact our office for the legal representation you need to get your finances and child support payments in order and to get your life back on track.
Do you live outside the Los Angeles area? Our law office helps many fathers obtain favorable results without costly, inconvenient travel. For more information, simply call us at 310-207-4005.
What Constitutes a Significant Change in Circumstances?
Do you have an unmanageable child support obligation? Are you earning less money now than you were when your last child support order went into effect? Do you now have a new family with more children? Have you had a significant change in circumstances since the child support order went into effect?
Contact us as soon as possible when your circumstances change, such as a job loss or medical emergency. We cannot petition the court to retroactively reduce your child support obligation because of changed circumstances. It is therefore essential that you take care of this in a timely manner.
For some parents, their child support obligation has been unmanageable from the beginning due to inaccurate testimony outside their presence during the divorce or child support proceeding. Other mothers and fathers may be unable to keep paying an established amount because of changed circumstances such as:
- Job loss, involuntary job change (such as a demotion, a pay cut due to downsizing, or cut hours — especially with the current economic constraints of many businesses) or another financial hardship
- Health problems and medical emergencies
- New obligations, including additional children to support
- Emancipated minors, when a child reaches the age of majority and is out of high school or 19 years old, the obligation to pay expires
Do Not Ignore Your Need to Modify Child Support
With the downturn in the economy, many people have a desperate need for reduced child support obligations. The good news on this issue is that you have a right to seek reduction in child support payments, and getting a reduction is not difficult if you have a legitimate need that meets certain legal criteria.
However, a child support modification will not eliminate or reduce child support in arrears, so it is essential that you act quickly. You need to take affirmative action to prevent severe penalties including:
- Continued growth of the amount you owe, which also accrues 10 annual percent interest
- A range of other bad consequences, such as driver's or business license suspension, levies on bank accounts, wage garnishment of up to 50% of each of your paychecks and the inability to renew your passport or professional licenses
Act Now to Modify a Child Support Order in Los Angeles
At the Law Offices of Elena Mebtahi, we empathize with your situation. We will do everything possible to achieve your objectives and to put you in a better position for the future. We offer a free initial consultation and affordable flat fees for most services. Please contact us today to discuss your legal needs.
