Child Support

Fighting for Fair Support. Focused on Your Child’s Well-Being. In California, child support is a court-ordered payment designed to ensure a child’s financial needs are met after parents separate. Whether you’re the parent seeking support or the one being asked to pay, California law uses a statewide formula to determine support amounts based on income, time-sharing, and expenses.

But child support isn’t just math—it’s about protecting your child’s stability and ensuring fairness for both parents.

At Fernandez Family Law, we represent clients throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, and the Central Coast in child support matters with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to fair outcomes.

How the Child Support Process Works

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how child support is determined and enforced in California:

✅ Step 1: File a Petition or Respond to One

Whether you’re starting a support case or responding to one, we help prepare and file the necessary documents in the appropriate court.

✅ Step 2: Exchange Financial Disclosures

Both parents must exchange Income & Expense Declarations, including pay stubs, tax returns, and information about childcare, healthcare, and education costs.

✅ Step 3: Calculate Support Using Guideline Formula

The court uses a formula based on:

• Each parent’s gross monthly income
• Timeshare (custody/visitation schedule)
• Childcare, health insurance, special needs
  We use court-approved software to estimate likely support orders in advance.

✅ Step 4: Court Hearing or Agreement

We either negotiate a stipulated agreement or advocate for your position at a child support hearing. If needed, we fight for deviations from the guideline when justified.

✅ Step 5: Enforce or Modify as Needed

We assist with enforcement of unpaid support, wage garnishment, or modifications if financial circumstances change.

What to Expect Emotionally & Legally During a Child Support Case

Child support disputes often create emotional tension between co-parents, especially when finances are tight or trust is low.

You may be feeling:

• Worried about affording support or being unfairly charged
• Frustrated with a co-parent who refuses to contribute
• Confused about how support is calculated
• Anxious about how this will affect your child’s future

Here’s what you can expect from us:

• A full financial analysis of your situation
• Clear explanations of your rights, responsibilities, and options
• Protection from unreasonable demands
• Focused advocacy for your child’s best interests and stability

What Makes Fernandez Family Law Different

Child support is more than a number—it’s your child’s future. At Fernandez Family Law, we combine deep legal expertise with a family-first mindset.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• ✅ Local Experience – We know the child support commissioners, judges, and court expectations in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
• ✅ Strategic Negotiation and Litigation – Whether in or out of court, we pursue the outcome that best protects you and your child.
• ✅ Full-Service Family Law – We handle all connected matters, including custody, visitation, enforcement, and modifications.
• ✅ Transparent Guidance – We demystify the numbers and help you make smart, informed decisions.

Speak to a San Luis Obispo Child Support Attorney Today

If you’re facing a child support case—whether you’re requesting it, challenging it, or trying to modify it—don’t go through it alone.

At Fernandez Family Law, we help parents across San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and the Central Coast secure fair, enforceable, and child-focused support outcomes.

📞 Call today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Because your child’s future deserves clarity—and so do you.