Modification of Child Support and Spousal Support
Child support orders can be modified upward or downward at any time before the child turns 18 depending on each parent's income level at the time of modification. Similarly, unless prohibited by a judgment, a former spouse may modify a spousal support order upward or downward depending on various factors such as income, hardship or other changes in circumstances. Generally, parties who were married for ten (10) years or more may return to court at any time to seek spousal support or its modification if the court retains jurisdiction over the issue of support. Parties to a family law action may discuss and negotiate the amount of child and spousal support among themselves.
In helping our clients modify support orders where the other party's income is in dispute, our law office can seek to impute income, search for unreported (phantom) income and present to the court the true income of the other party. Our office has successfully modified various spousal and child support orders and helping our clients collect outstanding support payments.
When modifying child or spousal support orders, you may be entitled to have your attorney's fees paid by the other party. California law seeks to place parties in family law matters on equal footing in terms of their ability to obtain legal representation. Thus, if the other party has a higher income, the court may order that party to contribute to your attorney's fees and costs.
If you want to modify your child support or spousal support order and get more information about your right to attorney’s fees, contact our office at (310) 212-7109 for a free phone consultation.