Law Office of Jeralyn C. Ehlers

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Strategic Legal Solutions To Protect Families And Secure Legacies

Trusted And Fair Santa Barbara Child And Spousal Support Attorney

Figuring out the complexities of child and spousal support is one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. To ease the process, you will need the guidance, knowledge and advocacy of a family law attorney such as Jeralyn C. Ehlers, CFLS. As a certified family law specialist, she has more than 20 years of experience serving Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Her personable and trustworthy approach ensures you receive the guidance you need. She seeks amicable solutions and has litigation experience to draw from as she helps you move forward with your child support or alimony arrangement.

How Child Support Works In California

Child support is one of the fundamental areas of family law. Child support laws make sure that children receive the financial support they need to thrive. In California, judges issue child support decisions based on each parent’s income and the time spent with the child. They can also consider factors such as:

  • The number of children
  • Tax filing status
  • Health insurance costs
  • Childcare expenses
  • Any special needs of the child

The judge’s priority is to serve the best interests of the child, not the parent. Jeralyn C. Ehlers, CFLS will work with you to understand your unique situation and advocate for a fair child support arrangement. Her dedication to your family’s well-being is evident in her personalized approach to each client’s situation.

Facilitating Fair Spousal Support Agreements

Spousal support, or alimony, can provide financial assistance to a lower-earning spouse after a California divorce. There is no cut-and-dry method for determining alimony in California. Factors that may affect the final outcome are:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s earning capacity
  • Contributions to the household
  • Age and health of both parties
  • Standard of living during the marriage

Attorney Ehlers will guide you through the process, striving to represent your interests and protect your finances. Her commitment to finding equitable solutions helps you achieve a stable future.

Modifying An Existing Court Order

Life changes, and so can your financial circumstances. If you need to modify existing court orders for child support or spousal support, Jeralyn C. Ehlers, CFLS can assist you. Modifications may be necessary due to:

  • A significant change in income
  • Changes in child custody arrangements
  • Health issues affecting earning capacity
  • Relocation impacting visitation

Jeralyn C. Ehlers, CFLS is here to help you adjust your support orders to reflect your current situation. She is dedicated to meeting your family law needs with compassion and professionalism.

Commonly Asked Questions About Santa Barbara Child Support

Are you seeking information about your child support situation? We’ve compiled a list of answers to frequently asked questions from our clients.

What role does a family law attorney play in child support cases?

A family law attorney is your primary advocate. While California uses a guideline formula to calculate child support, determining the correct inputs for that formula often presents a challenge. An attorney works to ensure all parental income is accurately reported, including wages, self-employment earnings and investments.

Your attorney will help gather necessary financial documents, present evidence of timeshare (the amount of time each parent spends with the child), and argue for appropriate considerations, such as health care costs or special needs. Jeralyn C. Ehlers, CFLS, can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf or, if necessary, represent your interests in court to work toward a final child support order that is correct, enforceable and serves your child’s best interests.

How are child support cases handled and enforced if the paying parent lives in another state?

When parents live in different states, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) governs child support. This uniform state law, which was federally mandated and adopted by all 50 states, establishes consistent rules for which state has the authority (jurisdiction) to issue or modify a support order.

If a California child support order is in place, you can register and enforce it in the state where the paying parent resides. This allows state agencies to carry out enforcement actions, such as wage garnishment, across state lines. Handling an interstate case requires specific knowledge of UIFSA procedures. An experienced attorney can manage this process, coordinating with agencies in both states to establish or enforce your order.

What happens if my financial situation changes after a child support order is in place? 

The court bases a child support order on the financial circumstances and custody arrangements at the time it makes the order. If a significant “change of circumstances” occurs, you can petition the court for a child support modification.

This change must be substantial, such as an involuntary job loss, a significant promotion, a major change in health or a shift in the custody (timeshare) arrangement. Please note that the support amount does not change automatically. You must file a formal request with the court. Until the court issues a new order, the original child support obligation remains in effect. Attorney Ehlers can evaluate your new situation and file the necessary paperwork to seek a modification based on your current circumstances.

Discuss Child And Spousal Support Today

At the Law Office of Jeralyn C. Ehlers, CFLS, you can get the family law counsel that you need during a challenging time. Let her secure a brighter future for you and your family. Please call 805-918-1340 or send her an email to schedule your initial consultation