At JWB Family Law, we understand that child support is more than a financial obligation—it’s a key part of ensuring stability, security, and opportunity for your children. Whether you’re seeking support, challenging an unfair order, or requesting a modification due to life changes, our experienced San Diego child support attorneys are here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and precision.
Child support can quickly become one of the most contested issues in a divorce or custody case. With deep knowledge of California’s child support guidelines and the software used by San Diego courts, we help clients pursue fair, accurate support arrangements that reflect each family’s unique financial reality.
Work with Certified Family Law Specialists (CFLS) who understand the complexities of California child support law and will advocate for a fair, accurate outcome that supports your child’s needs and protects your financial future by scheduling your complimentary 30-minute consultation today.
Table of Contents
ToggleIn California, child support is calculated using a statewide uniform guideline formula. While the formula may seem simple, the inputs are not.
Courts consider multiple factors, including:
Our San Diego child support lawyers ensure that all relevant information is correctly documented and presented, helping to avoid costly errors or unfair results.
California uses a mandatory formula to calculate what is known as “guideline support.” This is the amount typically set; however, the courts have the authority to deviate from the guideline when exceptional circumstances make it appropriate.
For example, the court may:
At JWB Family Law, we understand how the guideline system works—and when a court might consider deviations. We help clients anticipate outcomes and make informed decisions.
Our San Diego child support attorneys represent both custodial and non-custodial parents. Whether you’re entitled to receive support or being asked to pay, we advocate for an arrangement that protects your rights while prioritizing your child’s best interests.
We provide:
Life changes—and child support orders should adapt accordingly. If you’ve lost your job, changed careers, experienced a significant medical issue, or if your co-parent’s income has changed, you may be eligible for a child support modification.
Our attorneys can:
Even if you and your co-parent agree on a change, formalizing the modification through court ensures it’s enforceable and protects both parties.
When child support isn’t paid, the impact on the child and custodial parent can be significant. California takes enforcement seriously, and so do we.
If your co-parent is behind on payments, we can help you enforce the court order through:
Conversely, if you’re facing enforcement action and believe the order is inaccurate or unmanageable, our team can help you assert your rights and seek adjustments if needed.
San Diego County is one of the most populous in California, and with high housing costs, a diverse employment market, and unique custody arrangements, especially among military families, local child support cases often present added complexity.
According to the California Department of Child Support Services, San Diego processes thousands of child support cases annually.
Many involve:
Our San Diego child support attorneys are familiar with the local court system and understand how judges in this region evaluate financial information and support requests.
If parents are not married, child support cannot be ordered until legal paternity is established.
JWB Family Law represents parents in paternity actions to:
We ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve—and that both parents’ rights and responsibilities are clearly defined.
At JWB Family Law, we don’t just understand the law—we understand what’s at stake.
Our Certified Family Law Specialists offer:
Whether you’re seeking support, contesting an order, or navigating modification, we’re here to ensure your rights are protected—and your children receive the support they deserve.
Whether you’re seeking, modifying, or enforcing a child support order, JWB Family Law is here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and trusted legal expertise. Our San Diego child support attorneys offer strategic counsel rooted in deep experience and an unwavering commitment to your child’s well-being and your financial peace of mind.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our Certified Family Law Specialists today and see how our team can help you move forward with confidence.
March 11, 2025 | Vlog
February 28, 2025 | Child custody and visitation Divorce
February 28, 2025 | Child and spousal support Divorce
Jane has been my rock and helped me through my divorce. She is firm and knowledgeable. She is great at client management and helped me stay focused throughout ongoing disagreements with my ex. I refer all of my clients seeking family law help to Jane.
Linda M., San Diego, CAJane is the best when it comes to honesty and straight-to-the-point feedback. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything. I received the best service I could have asked for. I especially enjoy the occasional contact she makes to see how things are going. This personal touch from an attorney goes a long way....
Gilbert C., Chula Vista, CABefore Jane took my case I was not able to see my son very much. It got so bad I had to call the sheriff to try and enforce the agreement my ex and I had. The sheriff told me that I needed to have a court order and that’s...
Peter S., San Diego, CAJane is great. She is always straight to the point. She made sure I understood everything that was going on. She is absolutely confident in court, and her paralegals were always helpful. She cared for me and also for my family.
Andres A., Chula Vista, CAJane was FANTASTIC in court. She knows the law EXTREMELY WELL. She was able to fight things that were improper or not right, and things that went against the law. She was able to show patterns of behavior and lack of willingness to comply with orders. Not only did she...
Elisa D., Lakeside, CAJane was always patient and was willing to explain the legal issues in a way that a layman could understand. She responded to the legal process in a timely manner and was never a cause of delay. Her staff was courteous and efficient, and I enjoyed working with them. My...
Dale G., El Cajon, CAJane was so good it makes me want to get divorced again. I went through a horrific divorce, and Jane was there to ensure that I was protected. She had my best interests in mind—and I know for sure without her, I would have been in a very terrible situation.
Michael P., San Diego, CAJane is a fantastic attorney. Attentive, aggressive, informative, and compassionate! She assisted me with varied issues including divorce, restraining orders, and real property issues that spanned across two counties—San Diego and Riverside. She was consistently available to me to answer my questions, which is rare for attorneys. I highly recommend...
F.D., San Diego, CAWhen you feel your time-tested sense of reality shifting all around you and your reeling mind is busy trying to adjust to the altered attitudes of all the people you trusted….that is when you most need a rock like Jane Wesley Brooks. When you most want to shout out in...
Eric M., San Diego, CAWhat do you know, an honest lawyer! Jane took care of my divorce from long distance. Always gave me the straight scoop and weighed the pros and cons of each issue before any were taken on. I feel Jane saved me money navigating through the legal and emotional issues of...
Pete M., Franktown, COGoing through a divorce is not easy for anyone, but I feel that my divorce was exceptionally rough, and I am so glad that I had you by my side as attorney during this tough time. You always had my best interest in mind, understood all of my concerns, and...
Dr. M.P., San Diego, CACan’t imagine too many people enjoying having to engage a family law group but when needed you can’t afford to settle for anything but the best. Jessica, Jane’s associate attorney, continues to prove to be what every client should be looking for—responsive, respectful, understanding, and compassionate while never losing site...
Chris PJane is an AMAZING attorney! She got everything done for me ahead of schedule and was one of three very important people to me while going through a very difficult time….very upfront and honest to the core. She tells you exactly what you need to hear and never sugarcoats it....
Vinny C., San Diego, CAI want to thank you for taking such good care of me during my divorce. I had gone to another lawyer prior to getting your name from a friend, and that was a disaster. Once I was referred to you, you gave me outstanding service and handled my case with...
M.T., San Diego, CAI took a chance in trying a legal search service when I needed an attorney ASAP when dealing with a potential parental kidnapping case. As one would expect, there were many that responded, all of which claimed to be the best in their field with “years of experience in these...
Laurence R., Warrenton, VAI want to express my sincere appreciation for your outstanding job. It was a pleasure…particularly because of the exceptional confidence and resolution you irradiate. Thank you for your patience in dealing with me. My recognition also goes to your professional office team—they are absolutely helpful and courteous.
M.D.M., San Diego, CAThree years subsequent to the finalization of my divorce, I once again retained Ms. Brooks’ services to prepare documents to modify the original court decree in response to my changed employment status. Ms. Brooks expertly guided me…and achieved a revised final settlement that brought a permanent and irrevocable termination to...
D.E.G., San Diego, CAMy husband and I both used Jane for our first marriage issues. She is very informative, strong willed, personable, always had our best interest in mind, and is hands down the best family law attorney out there. I recommend her to everyone I meet who is going through a divorce.
Shauna H., Santee, CAPersonally, I cannot say enough about Jane Wesley Brooks. Honesty was our main focal point of every conversation. She shoots straight from the hip and explains exactly what could happen and what might happen, even sometimes hearing what you did not want to hear. My divorce process was more lengthy...
Hillary S., El Cajon, CAI had already gone through my divorce and was being taken back to court. I asked a good friend of mine if they knew of a really great attorney and they gave me Jane’s phone number. She is really great at her job and makes you feel very important. I...
Becky B., El Cajon, CAI cannot say enough great things about Jane Wesley Brooks!!! Unfortunately she wasn’t my first lawyer. I had to fire a lazy, incompetent lawyer first. Jane came to my rescue and took over my case. Fixing all the problems from the previous attorney. She is so knowledgeable about divorce, law,...
Cristin N., San Diego, CAJANE IS AWESOME! Smart and competent would be enough in any case, but she is also caring and fair and truly wants to help you. I spent my life savings and am still paying off my previous attorney. I can’t express how much I wish I would have known and...
Kim Z., San Diego, CAI interviewed four attorneys before I picked you to represent me. The others were only interested in my assets, not me personally. But you were different. Your compassion, competence, ethics, toughness, and communication skills were obvious. I made the right pick: During my divorce, you commanded the situation, explained exactly...
R. P., Carlsbad, CA