Equitable support — and decisive protection when it matters.
Child support and domestic violence restraining orders sit at opposite ends of family law's emotional spectrum, but both share one thing — they require precise legal work delivered without delay. Whether you need a fair guideline order or immediate court protection, our practice is built to act quickly and accurately.
How California calculates child support
California uses a statewide guideline formula — the same formula every court in the state applies — to set the presumptively correct amount of child support. The formula considers each parent's net disposable income, the percentage of time each parent has the children, and a number of statutory adjustments.
Although the formula is uniform, the inputs are not. Income is often more complex than a single paystub suggests, and small misclassifications can move the number significantly.
Income, in all its forms
California's definition of income for support purposes is broad. Salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, capital gains, and certain perquisites are all in scope.
We work with forensic accountants when needed to make sure the income figure used in court reflects reality — not what is convenient.
- W-2 wages and bonuses
- Self-employment net income
- Rental and investment income
- Stock options and RSUs
- Imputed income for under-employment
- Perquisites that reduce living expenses
Modifications when life changes
Child support is not permanent. Either parent may request a modification on a showing of a material change in circumstances — a job loss, a significant raise, a custody change, or a substantial shift in the child's needs.
Modifications are prospective only. Acting promptly when circumstances change is the single most important step a parent can take.
Enforcement when payments stop
When a support obligation is not paid, California provides powerful enforcement tools — wage garnishment, bank levies, license suspension, tax refund interception, and contempt proceedings, among others.
We pursue enforcement firmly but proportionately. The goal is consistent payment going forward, not punishment for its own sake.
Add-ons and special expenses
Beyond the guideline base amount, California presumptively requires parents to share two categories of additional expenses: child-care costs related to employment or education, and uninsured healthcare costs. Other expenses — private school, tutoring, extracurriculars, travel for visitation — may be added by agreement or court order.
Domestic violence restraining orders
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order that protects you and your children from abuse by a current or former spouse, partner, or family member. California's Domestic Violence Prevention Act defines abuse broadly — physical violence, threats, harassment, stalking, and patterns of coercive control all qualify.
Emergency and temporary protection
When safety is immediate, courts can issue Emergency Protective Orders (through law enforcement, lasting up to seven days) and Temporary Restraining Orders (issued by the court on an ex parte basis, lasting until the hearing).
We can prepare and file the necessary papers the same day in most cases. Speed matters in protection work, and our office is structured to act quickly.
The DVRO hearing
Within roughly twenty-one days of a temporary order, the court conducts a hearing on whether to issue a longer restraining order — up to five years, with the possibility of permanent renewal. Both sides may present witnesses, documents, and other evidence.
We prepare each restraining order hearing with the same rigor as a trial: declarations, exhibits, witness lists, and a clear narrative of the conduct that brings you to court.
When you have been falsely accused
Restraining orders carry serious consequences — loss of firearms rights, immigration impacts, employment consequences, and presumptions in family-court custody decisions. If you have been falsely accused, the same precision and preparation apply, in the other direction.
We have represented both sides of these matters and bring that breadth of perspective to every case.
How protection and support work together
DVROs and child support cases frequently overlap. A restraining order can include orders for temporary custody, visitation, support, and exclusive use of the family residence. Coordinating these orders so they make sense together is part of what an experienced family-law office does.
Working with our office
Whether your matter is a guideline support modification or an emergency restraining order, you will work directly with the attorney handling your case. Our office is structured to respond quickly to time-sensitive matters.
Initial consultations are confidential and free of charge. If your situation is urgent, please say so when you call.