Carlsbad Family Law Attorneys
Child Support Compassionate in Our Approach, Decisive in Our Strategy

Carlsbad Child Support Attorney

Why You Need a Family Law Attorney in San Diego County

When parents separate, each is still responsible for financially providing for their children. Upon separating, one parent must ask the court to make an order that establishes child support, which is to be paid until the child reaches the age of 18 (or 19 in cases where the child is still in high school / living at home / or otherwise cannot provide for themselves).

At Griffith, Young & Lass, we want to help you avoid conflict in the courtroom whenever possible. Our Carlsbad child support attorneys can calculate your projected child support payments using the same guidelines as the court, and we can make suggestions for maximizing these payments in a way that benefits both you and your children. Our Carlsbad child support lawyers can also help you prepare the necessary forms for getting or modifying child support as needed.

Need help with a child support case in North County, San Diego? Contact a child support lawyer in Carlsbad today!

Helping You Understand and Follow California’s Child Support Guidelines

The State of California has a mandated statutory guideline for calculating child support orders. This guideline is absolute, with the exception of a few very unique circumstances. The guideline for child support calculations takes into consideration a number of variables, most notably:

  • the number of children
  • the respective timeshare percentages of each parent with the children
  • the gross monthly income of each parent
  • the tax filing status of each parent
  • any relevant deductions influencing disposable income available to include health insurance
  • any child support paid for other children
  • union dues
  • mandatory retirement
  • and more

The formula also takes into consideration factors influencing each parent’s tax basis, such as possible deductions for dependents, mortgage interest and property taxes.

Make sure your financial well-being—and that of your children—is taken care of by contacting GYL for help with a child support order. Call (858) 371-5569 or contact us online to learn more.

Meet Our Team 

Honest. Fearless. Bold.
  • John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS
  • Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS
  • Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS
  • Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS
  • Noelle J. Slattery, Esq.
  • Eric Cowdery, Esq.
  • Joshua Yee, Esq.
  • Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.
  • Lea Trojanowski, Esq.
  • Greyson Sharp, Esq.
  • Brittany Van Ryder, Esq.
  • Karissa Piralla, Esq.
  • John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    John Griffith has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 2009. John is a Certified Family Law Specialist certified as an expert in the area of family law by the California Board of Legal Specialization. Prior to opening Griffith, Young & Lass, he worked as the managing partner of one of the largest family law firms in North County San Diego.
    John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    Catie E. Young excels in child custody cases and move-away trials. She has a unique approach to child custody cases and clients of Griffith, Young & Lass tend to gravitate toward her in these cases. Since joining the firm, she has continuously brought her zeal and compassion to representing clients in child custody and domestic violence cases, and in December 2011, she became a partner at Griffith, Young & Lass.
    Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    Amy Lass, a certified family law specialist, was born in New York and raised in San Diego, California. Amy graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2003 with a B.S. in Economics with a concentration in Enterprise Accounting. Amy went on to earn her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and graduated cum laude in 2006.
    Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS

    Associate

    Attorney Shirin Asgari has a broad spectrum of legal experience and has handled matters in family law, criminal law, business law, and national security law. Currently, she focuses on family law matters and is a strong advocate for the rights of her clients. She dedicates time and attention to the needs of each client and the unique circumstances their case presents.
    Shirin  Asgari, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. Noelle J. Slattery, Esq.

    Associate

    Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. has a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts/Acting from Emerson College in Boston and a Juris Doctor ...
    Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. Photo
  • Eric Cowdery, Esq. Eric Cowdery, Esq.

    Associate

    Eric Cowdery earned his bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before earning his JD from Golden Gate University as part of the Honors Lawyering Program. He was admitted to the California Bar Association in 2013 and has been working diligently in the field ever since. Taking a personalized approach to each case, Eric Cowdery is committed to working with clients to help them through the often confusing and complex legal process of divorce.

    Eric  Cowdery, Esq. Photo
  • Joshua Yee, Esq. Joshua Yee, Esq.

    Associate

    Attorney Joshua Yeereceived his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, from the University of California, San Diego. Joshua went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from University of San Francisco. His experience working with a local Certified Family Law Specialist solidified his desire to become a family law attorney. Since becoming an attorney, Josh has exclusively practiced in family law.
    Joshua  Yee, Esq. Photo
  • Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq. Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.

    Associate

    Shaudi Malekzadeh is a Carlsbad family law attorney at Griffith, Young & Lass, advocating for the rights and interests of Southern California families in a variety of family law cases, such as child custody, alimony, spousal support, and the division of community property. She is committed to delivering effective legal representation to our clients, aggressively advocating for their legal rights, and offering compassionate legal advice.
    Shaudi  Malekzadeh, Esq. Photo
  • Lea Trojanowski, Esq. Lea Trojanowski, Esq.

    Associate

    Lea Trojanowski is an attorney with Griffith, Young, and Lass, joining the firm in March 2021. Her pragmatic and level-headed approach to family law has allowed her to be successful in even the most emotional family law cases. Lea has effectively represented clients in a wide range of family law proceedings, but is particularly drawn to domestic violence restraining order cases.
    Lea  Trojanowski, Esq. Photo
  • Greyson Sharp, Esq. Greyson Sharp, Esq.

    Associate

    Greyson Sharp received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Fresno. After ...
    Greyson  Sharp, Esq. Photo
  • Brittany Van Ryder, Esq. Brittany Van Ryder, Esq.

    Associate

    Brittany Van Ryder joined Griffith, Young, and Lass as a Bar Clerk in September 2022. She became an Associate Attorney at the ...
  • Karissa Piralla, Esq. Karissa Piralla, Esq.

    Associate

    A San Diego native, Karissa earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from UCSD and a Juris Doctorate from the University ...

Child Support Add-Ons

Child support add-ons are additions to the guideline child support order that are over and above the monthly amount of support ordered.

Generally, a family law court will always order that each party cover half of all uninsured medical expenses, including co-pays and deductibles as well as half of all childcare expenses incurred as a result of either parent working or obtaining training to become employed.

Some parents also agree on additional child support add-ons. Commonly agreed upon add-ons include:

  • extracurricular activity expenses
  • school tuition
  • travel expenses
  • other child expenses

*These expenses may or may not be ordered depending on the financial circumstances of the parties.

Modification of California Child Support Orders

A guideline child support order can be modified upward or downward anytime there is a significant change in the circumstances of either party warranting modification of the ordered amount for child support.

Whenever a modification is sought, it is imperative that a motion be filed as early as possible, as the modification will not take effect at any point earlier than the date on which the motion is filed. As such, if a child support obligor loses their job, receives a significant pay cut, or there is a significant change in the timeshare percentage with the children, the obligor must file a motion to modify or they will be ordered to continuing pay a child support amount that is unreasonably high considering the circumstances.

Our attorneys at GYL have experience seeking child support modification orders in all San Diego Family Courts, as well as in cases involving the Department of Child Support Services. Contact us today for help.

Child Support FAQs

How long does child support last?

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing between the parents, a parent’s obligation to provide child support ends when the minor child either turns 18 and has graduated from high-school or turns 19–whichever occurs first.

How does 50/50 custody affect child support?

A common misconception is that when the parents share child custody on a 50/50 basis there is no child support order. This is not the case. In fact, even in a 50/50 custody arrangement, a guideline child support order will be made if the circumstances warrant it. You will see this in a case where one parent makes a considerably higher income than the other.

What if I lose my job?

Call a child support lawyer and immediately file a motion to set child support at zero! The family court only has the ability to change your child support order from the day that a motion to modify is filed–no exceptions. The court will most likely modify the child support order to zero and order you to make job contacts until you find a job if you haven’t by the time of the hearing.

What is DCSS?

DCSS is the Department of Child Support Services. Just as the IRS represents the government’s interest in collecting our taxes, the DCSS represents the State of California’s interest in ensuring that child support is being paid and that children are being financially supported by both parents. A common misconception is that the DCSS represents the custodial parent in a child support case. This is not true. In fact, the DCSS often files motions on behalf of the non-custodial parent to reduce child support if the circumstances of the case warrant a reduction.

Failure to pay court-ordered child support in a timely manner can lead to serious problems. Set yourself up for success and ensure your children receive the financial support they need by aligning with our Carlsbad child support lawyers at GYL.

Contact us via our online contact form or by dialing (858) 371-5569.

Our Results Speak for Themselves

Over 100 5-Star Reviews Throughout Our Social Media Platforms
  • The way John presented our case was pure genius with meticulous preparation and deliberate action in court.

    “We were referred to John Griffith at GYL by our former attorney. I specifically was looking for an aggressive attorney that would yield results. John, Josh, and the firm performed flawlessly, and did ...”

    - MoMo M.
  • I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers.

    “I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers (I would stress these are actually rare qualities within the legal industry and ...”

    - Scott G.
  • You cannot find a better law firm.

    “I cannot say enough good things about John Griffith and this law firm. Each person i interacted with was responsive, intelligent, thoughtful and professional. Attorney Griffith worked very hard to ...”

    - Michelle P.
  • It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.

    “She doesn’t back down from anyone. It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.”

    - Ian R.
  • Understanding, accessible, and I was very happy with the outcome of my case. If I could give a higher rating I would!

    “Easy to work with, forthcoming about the process, set realistic expectations, and always kept cost in mind.”

    - Jennifer P.
  • All three lawyers worked together on the issues surrounding my case, which helped greatly when I was in need of answers or support.

    “The GYL team is always prompt at returning calls & emails. From personal experience, I can tell you that they will not step away from your case until it's finished.”

    - Kelsey L.
  • I couldn’t have made it without them! I highly recommend them!

    “GYL has been an extraordinary support and backing in my divorce. Being a male in the military, the process for divorce and custody is difficult. GYL was extremely helpful, and I was able to full custody of my children. That alone is such a monumental feat.”

    - Frankie S.
  • Worth every penny! My custody case went as stress-free as it could possibly be.

    “I hate seeing anyone go through custody battles but if you’re in that situation and need someone who is trustworthy and great at what they do, then I swear this is the place to get the help!”

    - Emily B.
  • I highly recommend GYL if you are ever in need of a family law attorney.

    “No matter who I corresponded with they were always knowledgeable of my case and quick to respond.”

    - Kimberley F.
  • Highly professional and supportive in a very uncertain time in my life.

    “My clearance was granted without any additional issues. I'd recommend this legal team to any Soldier needing help with their clearance.”

    - K. Brooks
  • Always willing to listen to your concerns. I would highly recommend.

    “Compassionate and kind, however, he will fight for you and your best interests. He is calm and calculated and extremely smart.”

    - Ann M.
  • Extremely helpful, responsive, and reasonable and got the job done amidst tenuous circumstances.

    “She and her team were extremely compassionate, sensitive with me while concurrently advocating strongly on my behalf.”

    - Jeremy R.
  • I felt like she was practical and knowledgeable and most importantly, she listened.

    “The professional and succinct assistance was a much-needed breath of fresh air in the maze of hurdles and complications with our family law case.”

    - David R.
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Why GYL? 

Turn to a Team that Does It Best
  • We're Leaders in Our Field

    From case planning to preparation, to superior courtroom presence, our clients can be sure that they will walk into the Courtroom prepared and with the best chance of success.

  • Client Centered & Results Oriented

    Our representation is tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. We deploy the GYL strategic case trajectory dynamic to ensure the best chance at success at the most reasonable cost. 

  • Brilliant, Hard-Working & Honest

    We don't believe in wasting our client's time and money. Helping people is what drives us to excel at our craft. We first identify the goals and interests of each client, we then develop an efficient and effective case plan aimed at achieving those goals.

  • Responsible & Ethical Practices

    We believe in a responsible and ethical practice and stick to our values regardless of the situation. We're transparent and don't just tell our clients what they want to hear, unless it's what we believe, even if it may deter them from moving forward. We stand by our team's expertise and will always be upfront and honest with our clients. 

Get Started Today

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