Child and Spousal Support | Marla Keenan-Rivero Family Law Attorney & Mediator (707) 525-8800

Parents want to see that their children's needs are met. However, parties can disagree with the amount they believe it takes to meet these needs. The law provides clear guidelines in these situations based on each parties income and the amount of time spent with each parent. While the child support calculation or guideline support amount is formula-driven by our state, it is based on a number of factors such as income of the parties' (that may be in dispute), itemized deductions, health insurance costs, mandatory or voluntary retirement contributions of a party, and tax issues which may impact the bottom line for each party.

Mrs. Keenan-Rivero is intimately familiar and experienced with these issues and how child and spousal support is determined. She is also very experienced in ensuring accurate data is used by determining each party's income or imputed income in situations where a party is unemployed or self-employed. Mrs. Keenan-Rivero was a certified law clerk for the Department of Child Support Services throughout law school and appreciates how a support order affects families.

Spousal support can be a significant issue in a divorce. While there are criteria to follow, judges have the discretion to exercise their own judgment. Mrs. Keenan-Rivero knows the law and is very skilled in advocating for appropriate spousal support.

Temporary spousal support is intended to maintain the standard of living while a permanent settlement or court order is reached. Ongoing support will depend on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, earning ability, income of the parties, age and health, and accustomed lifestyle.

In situations where one party chooses not work, is underemployed, is self-employed, or owns a business, the amount of actual income and earning ability is frequently disputed. Mrs. Keenan-Rivero's knowledge of finances is well suited for these complex matters.

Attorney Marla Keenan-Rivero is certified by the California State Bar as a Family Law Specialist. She handles all aspects of a divorce and parentage issues, including child and spousal support in all of Sonoma.

For more information or to schedule a consultation call Ona Tidwell at 707-525-8800 or Tidwell@perrylaw.net.