Spousal & Child Support

Spousal Support and Child Support Determinations

People want basic information concerning the amount of support their children and they are entitled to receive. Providing basic information upfront helps to prevent unrealistic expectations. Often people either expect too much, or have no idea what they are entitled to receive.

You deserve a straightforward opinion on spousal support (alimony) and child support in your particular case. Contact the Tetley Law Firm to receive your free estimate of the amount of child or spousal support that might be ordered under your circumstances. At the Tetley Law Offices, we will sit down with you, examine your situation, and provide you with an assessment of your case. As a former Superior Court Commissioner, I have presided over hundreds of divorces and support disputes.

California Child Support Guidelines

When determining the amount of child support to award in your divorce, California courts use the state's statutory child support guidelines. The court makes a support determination based upon the parties' incomes. Problems calculating the correct amount of child support can arise when a spouse is self-employed or owns a small business. These cases are more challenging because the true income of the spouse must be verified through thorough discovery and investigation.

Spousal Support Determinations

While child support awards are governed by a set formula, the court is given more discretion to award spousal support. The court considers numerous factors such as the length of the marriage, the "standard of living" during the marriage, the income of the spouses, marital property, the earning potential of the spouses, and other considerations. We will help you determine what counts as income, what property is considered marital property, and other complicated factors.

Hire an attorney who will stand up for your rights during support determination proceedings. Contact the Tetley Law Offices at 951-781-7500. We also handle modifications, contempt proceedings, and enforcement issues.