Category: Parenting

Child support is a financial obligation that non-custodial parents must fulfill to guarantee the well-being of their children. Dealing with child support can be challenging, but with the right support, you can effectively understand your obligation and what’s expected of you as a parent.

Did you know that according to the new child support law in California, which was effective from Summer 2024, payments made toward government-owed debt were now passed through to parents who previously received cash assistance, rather than reimbursing the state general fund for the assistance services provided to the parents?

In California, the amount of child support to be paid is determined by specific guidelines and factors. Understanding how child support is calculated in California can help custodial and non-custodial parents prepare for financial responsibilities.

Let’s look into what you should expect when dealing with child support in the state of California.

Child Support Guidelines in California

In the state, child support is typically calculated using a formula that considers both parents’ incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. California follows the ‘Income Shares’ model, which considers the income of both parents to determine the amount of child support owed.

The guidelines guarantee that children receive adequate financial support from both parents, regardless of custody arrangements. The guidelines also provide a standard method for calculating child support, but certain circumstances may warrant deviations from the calculated amount. Factors such as special needs of the child, educational expenses, and other relevant considerations may influence the final child support determination.

Just like in state New York, in order to get full custody of a child as a mother, the courts determine whatever is in the best interests of the child. Factors taken into account include the child’s preference, parental fitness, and any history of abuse or neglect.

California courts prefer shared custody because they think it’s best for the child to stay close to both parents. California law does not allow for parents to waive child support, even if both parents agree to it. It is not considered to be in the interest of a child for their non-custodial parent to not pay child support.

The receiving parent is the only parent who would be legally not required to pay child support. In other words, one parent must pay child support payments to the other parent.

Factors Affecting Child Support Amount

The primary factors that affect child support amounts include each parent’s income, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, any tax deductions or credits, health insurance costs, mandatory union dues, retirement contributions, and childcare expenses.

Income is a fundamental factor in determining child support. The court considers both parents’ gross incomes, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and benefits such as social security or disability payments.

The amount of time each parent spends with the child also influences child support, as the court considers the expenses incurred during the time the child is with each parent.

If one parent has primary custody, the other parent may be required to pay more in child support. Expenses like health insurance premiums and childcare costs are factored in to guarantee the child’s needs are adequately met. Understanding how these elements influence child support calculations can help you anticipate the expected amount accurately.

If you need assistance with the calculations or have specific questions about your case, consulting with a legal professional specializing in family law can provide you with further guidance.

Modifying Child Support Orders

If circumstances change significantly after the establishment of a child support order in California, you may consider modifying the existing arrangement to better suit the current situation. In California, either parent can request a modification of the child support order if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances since the order was initially established.

Examples of significant changes may include a loss of income, a change in custody arrangements, or an increase in the child’s financial needs. To modify a child support order, you’d need to file a request with the court and provide evidence supporting the reason for the modification.

The court will then review the information provided and make a decision on whether to adjust the existing child support order. Child support modifications aren’t retroactive, meaning any changes will only apply from the date the request for modification was filed.

If you believe your child support order needs to be modified because of changed circumstances, it may be beneficial to seek legal advice to handle the process effectively.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

Enforcing child support orders in California guarantees that the financial needs of the child are met consistently.

When a parent fails to pay child support as ordered by the court, various enforcement measures can be taken to compel compliance. The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) has several tools at its disposal to make sure child support orders are enforced effectively.

Some common enforcement methods include wage garnishment, where child support payments are automatically deducted from the non-custodial parent’s wages. Liens can also be placed on the delinquent parent’s property or assets. Driver’s license suspension, tax refund interception, and even passport denial are potential consequences for non-payment of child support in California.

If a parent continues to evade their child support obligations, they may face more severe penalties, such as contempt of court charges, which could result in fines or even jail time. By enforcing child support orders, California prioritizes the well-being and financial stability of the child.

Conclusion

The amount you can expect from child support is determined by specific guidelines and factors such as income, custody arrangements, and expenses. You must understand how child support payments are calculated and how they can be modified if needed.

Remember, the court can enforce child support orders to ensure financial support for your child. Make sure to stay informed and seek legal advice if necessary.

Children are expected to play and perform different kinds of physical activities, whether it’s jumping, running, dancing, or climbing. But for many kids with special needs and disabilities, doing these seemingly simple movements can take a toll on their little bodies. They might even hurt themselves.

However, disability physiotherapy can improve their mobility and, in turn, their independence. Through this approach, children can learn to operate their bodies accordingly and perform some basic tasks themselves at their own pace.

Are you intrigued by the possibilities of this solution? Then, read on to learn the ways disability physiotherapy can improve your child’s quality of life.

1. Enhancing Muscle Strength and Endurance

For the 7.3 million students with disabilities currently in American public K-12 schools, disability physiotherapy could be a viable care solution, especially to increase their muscle strength and stamina. Kids with special needs may have weak muscles that need immediate attention. (1)

Disability physiotherapy focuses on strengthening them and improving endurance through:

• Resistance training: Kids use weights, bands, or their body weight to build muscle strength.
• Aquatic therapy: Water exercises relieve the joints from pressure while increasing children’s muscle power.
• Functional training: This involves activities that mimic everyday tasks to strengthen muscles needed for daily living.

Children with special needs will develop more endurance in daily tasks such as dressing up or climbing stairs. They’ll also be less likely to suffer from falls and injuries.

You can find out more about what usually happens in a disability physiotherapy program by browsing official websites of reputable providers. Services like the training mentioned above are often tailored to a person’s age and condition, so you can rest knowing that treatment and exercises are well-suited for your child’s needs.

2. Improving Balance and Coordination

Children with disabilities may face challenges in balance and coordination, which are needed for safe and independent movement.

Physiotherapy could help through proprioception exercises, like standing on a wobbly board, to help a child’s body know where it is in space. Meanwhile, vestibular exercises, like spinning around, engage the inner ear and improve balance. Physiotherapists may also use visual-motor integration activities, like catching a ball, which helps kids coordinate their eyes and hands.

Research shows parasports boost disabled children’s social status among abled peers. That’s why developing balance and coordination is essential for these kids. (2)

3. Enhancing Fine Motor Skills

If your child has been diagnosed with a disability, such as cerebral palsy, early intervention is a must. Many special needs children, including those with autism, experience challenges using their fine motor skills. Remember learning how to button a shirt or write your name? These things take a lot of practice, and for some kids, it can be harder.

Disability physiotherapy could help children develop these skills through:

• Hand strengthening exercises: Activities like squeezing a ball or playing with a toy help strengthen the muscles in the hands and fingers.
• Sensory integration activities: These wake up children’s senses, help their bodies move better, and improve coordination.
• Occupational therapy techniques: Physiotherapists have specialized techniques to help develop fine motor skills.

A child with improved fine motor skills may be more independent in self-care tasks, have better handwriting, and perform better academically.

4. Promoting Functional Independence

Practicing daily skills in real-life situations helps build functional independence in children. In physiotherapy, this may involve assistive technology, like wheelchairs or braces, which can be helpful for kids with special needs.

Other options are adaptive equipment, such as modified utensils or bathroom aids, and functional training, like practicing getting dressed while sitting on a mat. These activities ease kids’ daily tasks and help them become more independent.

Independent special needs children have better self-esteem to do activities on their own or participate alongside family, friends, and classmates.

5. Pain Management and Symptom Relief

According to one study, more than 90% of children with disabilities say that they have under-assessed and undertreated pain. Often, it’s physical pain that hinders special needs children from performing basic activities and reaching their full potential. (3)

Disability physiotherapy treatment helps in pain management and improves general well-being, offering targeted strategies to support mobility and independence in children. Physiotherapists may consider manual therapy methods like massages and mobilization to manage musculoskeletal pain. Kids may also undergo breathing exercises and relaxation techniques during sessions in a physiotherapy clinic, which are common pain management strategies. Sometimes, procedures like heat, cold, and electrical stimulation may be included as a therapeutic way to reduce pain and inflammation.

When pain is under control, kids with special needs can focus on having fun and doing the things they enjoy.

Tips for Working With a Disability Physiotherapist

If your child is used to sleeping in another position, it might take some time to adjust, but it’s worth it for the long-term health benefits. If this results in more discomfort for you child over time, it may be worth looking into treatment from your local physiotherapist. When looking for and working with a disability physiotherapist, here are some extra tips to follow:

• Select a qualified therapist: Look for a physiotherapist with experience working with children with disabilities.
• Effective communication: Share information about your child’s medical history, goals, and concerns with the physiotherapist.
• Home exercises: Practice home exercises as prescribed by the physiotherapist to reinforce progress made in therapy sessions.
• Collaboration with other healthcare providers: Work with other healthcare professionals, like doctors, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, to create a comprehensive care plan. Explore financial support options for families with children of disabilities.

Early intervention through disability physiotherapy helps children improve not only their physical condition but also their social skills, which are important in building independence.

Final Thoughts

Disability physiotherapy can help kids with special needs become more mobile and independent. Pediatric physiotherapists best understand the needs of children with physical and developmental disabilities, so they tailor their strategies to each one in their care.

Through targeted exercise and expert guidance, these children may be able to live their lives more confidently with less pain and more happiness.

References

1. “What federal education data shows about students with disabilities in the U.S.,” Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/24/what-federal-education-data-shows-about-students-with-disabilities-in-the-us/
2. “The importance of sport for children with disabilities – and the lengths their parents go to access it,” Source: https://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-sport-for-children-with-disabilities-and-the-lengths-their-parents-go-to-access-it-201825
3. “Paediatricians’ Views on Pain in Children with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities,” Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33807064/

Friendships play a crucial role in a child’s development, no matter their age. They offer companionship, learning experiences, and emotional support. However, friendships sometimes end, leaving your child feeling lost or upset. Helping your child move forward after a friendship ends requires patience and understanding.

Let’s cover a few strategies you can use to guide them through this transition.

Recognize the Emotional Impact

Children often feel deeply about their friendships. An abrupt end can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, or confusion. Acknowledge their emotions and let them know it’s OK to feel this way. Children may also experience the physical symptoms of grief. After all, they are grieving the friendship, and even if it seems small to you, their feelings about the matter can be anything but.

Encourage open conversations about how they feel and assure them they’re not alone in this experience. It may help to talk about your own experiences with saying goodbye to friends or relating their loss to characters from stories they enjoy.

Managing Online Friendships

Nowadays, children may form friendships online, and like any friendship, these digital connections can also break off. It’s important to help your child form a healthy relationship with social media so that they understand how to navigate conflicts online and when to step away. Guide them in setting boundaries and recognizing when online interactions negatively impact their well-being.

Teach Conflict Resolution Skills

Equipping your child with conflict resolution skills can prepare them for future friendship challenges. Roleplaying different scenarios can be an effective way to practice these skills. Teaching them to communicate openly, listen actively, and empathize with others can improve their relationships and help them handle disagreements diplomatically.

Support and Encourage Positivity

While you certainly have plenty of wisdom to impart in this moment, it’s important to keep in mind that your support is vital during this time. Encourage your child to focus on the positive aspects of their life and remind them of their strengths and talents. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can help shift their focus from the loss to appreciating what they have. Regularly engaging in activities that bring them joy can also promote a positive outlook. Overall, use this opportunity to show compassion and kindness—they’ll need it.

Encourage New Social Opportunities

Engaging in new activities can help your child form fresh connections. Encourage them to join clubs, sports teams, or community groups where they can meet new peers. These environments provide chances to develop new friendships and build confidence in social settings. Over time, new experiences can help alleviate the feelings of loss from the ended friendship.

Conclusion

Helping your child move forward after a friendship ends is an essential part of nurturing their emotional resilience. By acknowledging their feelings, encouraging new connections, managing online interactions, teaching conflict resolution, and supporting positivity, you provide them with the tools they need to heal and grow. Your guidance can turn a challenging situation into an opportunity for your child to learn and thrive.

Reports from the National Center for State Courts reveal that there has been a significant rise in adult guardianships, largely due to the increasing number of older adults and the common occurrence of conditions that lead to incapacity.

As of 2023, approximately 13% of all adults and 66% of adults aged 70 and older in the United States are living with a cognitive disability, such as dementia, autism, or traumatic brain injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Given the emotional nature of all family law matters, without an attorney’s help, some individuals may find it difficult to make informed decisions, especially when dealing with estate.

Trust litigation attorney Lynard C. Hinojosa says if a person is under guardianship, the court-appointed guardian manages the assets to ensure the trust’s terms are followed and the assets are used in the beneficiary’s best interests. Trusts can include asset management and usage instructions to meet the grantor’s wishes for the beneficiary.

In some cases, establishing a trust can help avoid the need for guardianship altogether by designating a successor trustee to manage the assets in case of incapacity, thus bypassing court-appointed guardianship.

Guardianship Applications

When applying for guardianship, you must submit a formal application to the proper court in the jurisdiction where the person resides. It should be accurate and up-to-date information for a smoother application process. The application should provide specific details about the child or adult in need of a guardian, including their name, age, and current living situation.

According to estate planning firm Orsbon & Fenninger, the exact role of the court-appointed guardian will be informed by the circumstances of the situation that led to the guardianship and it can look different from case to case.

Aside from the application, you’ll need to gather supporting documents:

• Proof of your relationship, such as birth certificates or adoption papers.

• Evidence of the need for a guardian, such as medical records or statements from professionals. The court will review these documents to determine whether guardianship is necessary and in the best interest of the minor.

When your application and supporting documents are all set, you will need to submit them to the court. This requires paying a filing fee, providing additional copies of the application for the court’s records and submitting the paperwork to the clerk’s office.

After filing, you’ll need to serve notice of the application to all interested parties, such as the child or adult’s parents, relatives, or any other individuals who may have a legal interest in the matter.

After that, the court will set up a hearing to go over your application and decide on it. When attending the hearing, present your case effectively, as this can greatly influence the outcome of your application.

By following the necessary steps and providing the required documents, you can increase your chances of obtaining guardianship and ensuring the well-being of the minor or the elderly.

Who Can Apply for Guardianship?

When it comes to applying for guardianship, the law sets out specific criteria that need to be met. Typically, anyone who is 18 or older and deemed to be of sound mind can apply for guardianship. This means that people who are responsible and able to make decisions that are best for the person in need can apply.

Usually, it is family members who seek guardianship. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even close family friends can all step up to become guardians. The court will consider the relationship between the applicant and the person in need, along with the applicant’s ability to offer care and support.

But keep in mind that guardianship isn’t limited to family members. Under certain circumstances, non-family members, such as social workers, healthcare professionals, or other interested parties who’ve a close relationship with the person in need, can also apply for guardianship.

Types of Guardianship Applications

There are different types of guardianship applications that can be filed depending on the specific circumstances.

• Temporary Guardianship Application:  This is used when someone needs to step in as a temporary guardian to look after a minor or an adult who can not care for themselves for a certain period.

• Limited Guardianship Application:  This is filed when the court determines that the proposed guardian should only have limited powers and responsibilities over the ward.

• Plenary Guardianship Application:  This is the most thorough type of guardianship application, where the proposed guardian receives complete legal authority over the ward’s personal and financial matters.

Consulting with a family lawyer can help you determine which type of guardianship application is most suitable for your specific situation.

How a Family Lawyer Can Help You With a Guardianship Application

Applying for guardianship involves legal procedures and documentation that may be unfamiliar to you. A family lawyer specializing in guardianship applications can guide you through each step, ensuring that you meet all the necessary requirements and adhere to the relevant laws.

One of the ways a family lawyer can help you is by providing expert advice on the guardianship application process. Your family lawyer can explain the legal implications involved and help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a potential guardian.

Not just that, a family lawyer can assist you in gathering the required documents, such as medical records, financial statements, and character references, to support your application. A family lawyer can also help you prepare a strong case to present to the court.

They can assist you in compiling all the necessary information and evidence that demonstrates your suitability as a guardian. This includes presenting your relationship with the child or individual in question, your ability to provide for their physical and emotional well-being, and any other relevant factors. If needed, they can represent you in court proceedings too.

Conclusion

If you’re considering applying for guardianship of a loved one, you should first understand the process and seek the assistance of a family lawyer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one and schedule a free consultation so you know how to move forward with your guardianship application with confidence.