Santa Barbara and Ventura Child Support and Spousal Support

Child/Spousal Support Santa Barbara Attorney Gabriela Ferreira

Child Support: 

Child support is money a parent pays for at least some of a child's living expenses. Judges can order child support whenever parents live apart, whether they are separated, divorced, or never married. Typically, the parent who does not live with the child, called the non-custodial parent, pays child support to the parent caring for the child on a day-to-day basis.

Both parents are responsible for their child's needs, whether they live together or not. The court gets involved when the child is living with only one parent. Often, the parent who pays child support is the father. However, mothers who do not live with their children can also be ordered to pay child support. 

Child support payments are supposed to pay for at least part of the child's food, clothing, childcare, housing, and education. The child support order may also include obligations to pay for health insurance and medical care, or even for lessons and other activities.

Spousal Support:

Spousal support is a term that you typically will only hear if you’re going through a divorce or about to start the proceedings. Most people know it as “alimony.” The terms mean the same thing, and the topic is very important both during and after a divorce.

The other misconception that should be cleared up is that this is only awarded to women, and this is just not true. It is the biggest earner that will usually be given the responsibility of spousal support unless that person has sole custody of the children (but that is an entirely different matter.) In other words, men are awarded spousal support too.

SPEAK WITH A SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA CHILD and SPOUSAL SUPPORT LAWYER

When facing a child support or spousal support matter, the most important step you can take is contacting an experienced family law attorney. When fighting for your rights, make sure you have a team with a proven track record. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.