Los Angeles Child Custody and Support Lawyer

Experienced Family Law Attorney in Los Angeles

When it comes to divorce, one of the most complicated issues for divorcing spouses to agree upon is establishing the terms of child custody and child support.

Here at the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C., we recognize how emotionally draining it is to end your marriage and have to agree upon the terms of child custody and child support. We realize that no two clients are going through the same situation.

Our family law lawyers ensure that every client provides the compassion and individualized attention they deserve. Discover how our experienced California family law firm can help you.

Understanding Child Custody

Child custody refers to the legal arrangement determining how parents share the responsibility for their children. In South Carolina, custody can be categorized into two main types: legal custody and physical custody.

• Legal Custody: This involves the right to make significant decisions regarding a child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious training. Legal custody can be awarded to one parent (sole legal custody) or both parents (joint legal custody).
• Physical Custody: This pertains to where the child lives. Similar to legal custody, physical custody can be sole or joint. In cases of joint physical custody, the child typically splits time between both parents' homes.

Factors Considered in Custody Decisions

When determining custody arrangements, South Carolina courts prioritize the best interests of the child. Several factors are evaluated:

• Parental Fitness: Courts assess each parent's ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child.
• Child’s Needs: Consideration is given to the child's emotional, educational, and physical needs.
• Parental Cooperation: The ability of parents to communicate and work together for the child's welfare can influence custody decisions.
• Stability and Continuity: Maintaining a stable home environment is essential for a child's development.
• Child’s Preference: Depending on their age and maturity, a child's wishes may be taken into account.

Understanding Child Support

Child support is a financial obligation set by the court to ensure that a child’s basic needs are met. This support helps cover various expenses, including food, clothing, education, and healthcare.

• Determining Child Support: South Carolina uses a formula to calculate child support, taking into account the incomes of both parents, the number of children, and the custodial arrangement.
• Modification of Child Support: Circumstances change, and so may the needs of the child or the financial situations of the parents. If there is a significant change in either parent’s income or the child’s needs, a modification to the child support order may be warranted.
• Enforcement of Child Support: If a parent fails to pay child support as ordered, enforcement mechanisms are available, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and even legal penalties.

Establishing Custody and Support Agreements

When parents separate or divorce, creating custody and support agreements is essential to ensure the well-being of their children. The process typically begins with negotiation, where families often seek to reach amicable arrangements, sometimes with the assistance of mediation. This collaborative approach can lead to customized agreements that meet the unique needs of the family. 

If negotiations do not succeed, formal petitions for custody and support must be filed in court, initiating the legal process that may involve hearings where both parents present their cases. Ultimately, the court will issue orders based on the evidence provided, prioritizing the best interests of the child.

Our attorneys at the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC are here to guide you through each step of this process. We provide skilled legal support during negotiations, helping you advocate for your interests while focusing on the needs of your children. If a court proceeding becomes necessary, we are prepared to represent you effectively, ensuring that your case is presented compellingly and that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. 

Contact our child support attorneys online today to schedule a consultation.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Child Custody and Support?

Los Angeles child custody and support attorney Reyes is one of the few lawyers in the state to be a board-certified specialist. A board-certified specialist means that he is deemed an expert in his field of law—certified by California after taking and passing a complicated written exam.

To pass this test, Attorney Reyes had to demonstrate his extensive experience in the field and ongoing education and go through evaluations by his peers and judges who are familiar with his work.

A lawyer can help you in the following ways:

• Help you set up child support.
• Help you modify child support, with your and your family's best interests in mind.
• Provide you with important information that will help you protect your parental rights.
• Answer your questions and provide you with clarity regarding your situation.
• Collecting evidence to support your case.
• Fiercely representing you in court.

Why Choose Us?

When You Hire Our Child Custody Lawyer, You'll Benefit From

• We use the most effective resources the field has to offer.
• We have 25 years of combined experience in the field.
• We believe in giving back to our community.
• We have other experience: Our founder is a former CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
• We have extensive civil litigation experience.

While we want our clients to work through their matters peacefully, we recognize that this is not always possible. If you and your divorcing spouse are unable to agree on the terms of child support or child custody, we possess the ability to go to court on your behalf.

With extensive experience in civil litigation, our Los Angeles child custody lawyer is not afraid to go to court and represent our clients if necessary.

Choose an experienced child custody and support attorney in Los Angeles to protect your rights and your family's future. Call us at (213) 798-4854 today to schedule your consultation!