The Shuff Law Firm has an outstanding reputation for obtaining orders for child support which ensure that the needs of all minor children are adequately met.
All courts in the State of California are required to follow the California Statewide Uniform Guidelines in determining orders for child support, unless the parties mutually agree to a non-guideline child support order. Courts use computer calculation programs that incorporate the guidelines and that have been certified by the Judicial Council to calculate child support payments. The Shuff Law Firm utilizes such a program, entitled “DissoMaster” to calculate child support specifically tailored to accommodate the circumstances of each individual case. Factors relative to each individual client include, among other things, the respective incomes of the parties, the custodial time each parent has with the minor child or children, childcare, itemized deductions, tax filing status, and mandatory retirement payments.
It is the Shuff Law Firm’s policy to request Court orders for temporary child support concurrently with the filing of Petitions for Dissolution, Legal Separation, or Paternity in all instances where the party represented has custody of the minor children and is in need of child support. The Firm is committed to securing temporary orders for child support at the earliest possible date to ensure that the minor children are provided for pending the process of their legal proceeding.
For purposes of calculating child support, the Shuff Law Firm will take all steps necessary to ensure that the incomes of both parties are fully disclosed. In some instances, this may involve the necessity of subpoenaing employment and/or bank records to ascertain income. In cases of self-employment, the Firm will seek the appointment of a forensic accounting expert, if necessary, to ascertain the self-employed party’s income available for both child and spousal support. The Firm will leave no stone unturned to ensure that fair and appropriate orders for child support are ordered by the Court. In the event that the parties agree to an amount different than the guideline, they may stipulate to that amount in any Court order, so long as the needs of the child or children are adequately being met.
Once child support has been ordered, the Firm will take the necessary steps to ensure enforcement through an Income Withholder Order and/or other legal remedies.
California Family Code Section 4053 includes the principals the courts must adhere to in implementing the Statewide Uniform Guideline for child support.
