Child Support Attorney in Bakersfield, CA

Child Support Calculation & Enforcement Services in Kern County

California calculates child support using a statewide guideline formula that considers both parents' incomes, the percentage of time each parent spends with children, and other relevant factors. The guideline aims to maintain a standard of living consistent with what children would have experienced in an intact family. Child support obligations continue regardless of custody arrangements.

The Gorski Firm handles all aspects of child support cases for parents throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. We can help you establish appropriate support orders, seek modification when circumstances change, or enforce the collection of overdue payments.

Call (661) 768-1441 or contact us online to speak to a child support attorney in Bakersfield. We review your income records and parenting time documentation to calculate the correct child support amount.

California's Child Support Guideline Formula

The guideline formula considers each parent's net disposable income after deductions for taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, and support obligations for other children. The court calculates income from all sources, including wages, bonuses, commissions, rental income, dividends, and even unemployment benefits or disability payments.

Timeshare percentage affects the calculation significantly. Parents who have children overnight for more than 40% of the year receive a credit that reduces their support obligation or increases the amount they receive. Accurately documenting actual timeshare matters when the custody schedule differs from court orders. Additional factors include health insurance costs for children, childcare expenses required for work, children's special needs that require extra fees, and educational costs. 

Our team can review your income and parenting time records to calculate an accurate child support amount. Our team will also compile the necessary documentation to present a clear and precise calculation to the court.

Child Support Modifications

Child support orders can be modified when circumstances change significantly, such as relocation, changes in living arrangements, evolving needs as children grow, or evidence that a parent cannot provide proper care. Courts are cautious about altering stable arrangements without substantial justification.

Violations occur when a parent fails to follow the timeshare schedule or makes unilateral decisions that conflict with the joint legal custody arrangement. 

We can assist you in documenting changes or violations and filing the necessary motions to protect your parental rights. Our team can also represent you at hearings and present evidence in support of the modifications you seek.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

Parents who do not pay court-ordered child support may face significant consequences. These can include wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s licenses, reporting of arrears to credit bureaus, and contempt actions that may lead to jail time. Unpaid support continues to accumulate interest at a statutory rate of 10% per year, which can substantially increase the total amount owed over time. 

California law does not allow retroactive reduction of support arrears. This means that even if a parent’s current support obligation is lowered in the future, all past‑due amounts remain fully collectible. 

We can assist with pursuing enforcement remedies to collect overdue support or defending against enforcement actions when there are legitimate reasons for non-payment. If appropriate, our team can also help negotiate payment plans to address outstanding arrears.

Call (661) 768-1441 or contact us online to schedule a case consultation with a Bakersfield child support lawyer. We can help you take appropriate legal action to address your child support situation.