San Bernardino Child Support Attorney

Clear Guidance For Parents Facing Child Support Issues

Child support decisions affect more than numbers on a page. They shape your child’s daily stability and your ability to keep up with real life expenses. If you are trying to start, change, or enforce child support in San Bernardino, it can feel confusing and stressful.

At Family Law Advocacy Group, we help parents understand how California child support works and what options they may have. Our attorney has handled hundreds of family law cases, including many involving support and custody, and our team provides focused, compassionate representation when the stakes feel high for your family.

Senior Counsel Ariel Carter is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist by the California State Bar Association, a distinction that reflects tested knowledge of California family law. We combine that insight with a client-centered approach so you always know where your case stands and what comes next. 

To talk with a San Bernardino child support lawyer about your situation, you can call (909) 992-0188 for a free consultation.

What is Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation that requires one parent to provide financial assistance to the other parent to help cover the costs of raising a child. The purpose of child support is to ensure that children maintain a stable standard of living and have access to essential needs such as:

• Housing
• Food and groceries
• Clothing
• Education and school supplies
• Medical and dental care
• Childcare
• Extracurricular activities

In California, child support is not based on fault or parenting time alone—it is determined based on the best interests of the child and the financial situation of both parents. Even if parents share custody or have an informal agreement, the court may still require a formal child support order.

California Child Support Laws

California has specific laws and guidelines designed to ensure child support is fair and consistent. Child support is governed by the California Family Code, and the courts rely on state-wide formulas and legal standards to calculate support amounts. These laws aim to:

• Protect the best interests of the child
• Encourage both parents to contribute financially
• Provide consistent support standards across the state
• Allow for adjustments based on income, custody, and special circumstances

Child support orders are legally enforceable. Failure to pay child support can result in serious consequences, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and even contempt of court.

How The Court Determines Child Support in CA

In California, child support is calculated using a complex formula that takes into account several key factors. The court will typically consider:

• Income of Both Parents: This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other sources of earnings. California uses a standardized child support calculator to ensure consistency.
• Parenting Time and Custody: The amount of time each parent spends with the child impacts support. If one parent has significantly more parenting time, the support obligation may be reduced.
• Childcare and Medical Costs: Childcare expenses and health insurance premiums are factored into the child support calculation, ensuring the child’s needs are met.
• Special Needs or Educational Costs: If a child has special needs or requires additional educational support, the court may adjust the support amount accordingly.
• Other Obligations: Court-ordered spousal support, debts, or other financial responsibilities may be considered when determining the final support order.

Common Child Support Issues in San Bernardino

Child support cases often involve disputes or complex issues that require skilled legal advocacy. Some common challenges include:

• Establishing paternity when the father is not listed on the birth certificate
• Enforcing a child support order when payments are late or not made
• Modifying child support due to job loss, reduced income, or a change in custody
• Calculating income for self-employed parents or those with fluctuating earnings
• Handling arrears and back payments
• Dealing with wage garnishment or license suspension

At Family Law Advocacy Group, our San Bernardino child support lawyer can help you navigate these issues and pursue a resolution that protects your child’s best interests.

Child Support FAQs

How long do I have to pay child support in California?

Child support typically continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school and living at home. Support may continue beyond this if the child has special needs or is unable to support themselves.

Can child support be modified?

Yes. Child support can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, custody, or the child’s needs. A modification requires court approval.

What happens if I fall behind on child support?

If you fall behind, the court can enforce the order through wage garnishment, bank levies, property liens, and other legal actions. In extreme cases, non-payment may lead to contempt charges.

Can I be ordered to pay child support even if I have visitation rights?

Yes. Child support is separate from visitation. Even parents with shared custody can be ordered to pay support depending on income and time spent with the child.

What if the other parent refuses to pay or hides income?

If the other parent is not paying or hiding income, we can help you pursue enforcement actions and ensure accurate income reporting.

Why Parents Choose Our Firm

When parents look for help with child support, they usually want two things. They want someone who truly understands California family law, and they want someone who will listen to their concerns about their children and their finances. We work to provide both.

Our firm brings together significant family law experience and strong credentials. Ariel Carter is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist, which means her knowledge has been tested and recognized by the California State Bar Association. Our team has managed hundreds of divorce, custody, and support matters, so we are familiar with the issues that often arise in child support cases in San Bernardino County.

We are known for fierce advocacy paired with skilled negotiation. In practical terms, that means we prepare for hearings and are ready to present your position clearly if a judge must decide. At the same time, we often resolve support issues through focused negotiation or mediation, which can reduce conflict, cost, and uncertainty for parents and children.

Parents also choose us because of how we treat them throughout the process. Clients often comment on our professionalism, responsiveness, and compassion. We explain your options in clear, everyday language, return calls and emails promptly, and tailor our strategy to your goals instead of forcing a standard path. From the first phone call through final orders, we stay focused on what a fair and workable outcome looks like for your family.

To schedule your free consultation, call (909) 992-0188.