Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: Child Support

He can either show his income level to the family

support division, or ask for a court hearing, to

see if child support can be lowered. In advance, he can

consult a "Dissomaster" or other program which has

the "guideline" formula for computing support, to see

what the normal award would be, and whether he would be

better off. The fact that he has other children to

support is part of the determination, but all of his

children, within or without the marriage, are entitled

to his support. However, he has to pay while there is a

court order, and the amount of the order cannot change

until he files a motion to modify the existing order, so

he should make that motion soon if it appears that it

will lower his support. The fact that his ex is on welfare

means that the County is seeking to recover its own money, and

will not help him in lowering support. He could try to prove

that the mother is able to be employed, but this is difficult

and hard to establish for most judges unless she has some

skills and/or significant work experience.

Re: Child Support

It is a fairly simple matter to change or establish child support and the guideline levels, particularly with the District Attorney involved. Talk to an attorney that does a lot of child support in the county where the mother is living and collecting welfare. He can tell you whether you are paying too much or guideline support would be higher. He can also advise you of your best strategy in dealing with the District Attorney. Shop around and get a fair price. I have 20 years experience and charge a $950 retainer in San Diego County. That will cover the costs in about 80% of similar cases. You should be able to find something similar in your county.