Child Support Attorney Serving Burlingame And Throughout California

The moment child support enters the conversation, it can feel like everything is suddenly out of your control, even though you want what is best for your children and your financial future. At Chase, Berenstein and Murray, Counselors at Law, attorney Lisa Murray understands that. She helps Burlingame parents navigate child support through collaboration and mediation, so those decisions stay in your hands. That means less conflict and a more stable path forward for your family.

Understanding California’s Child Support Guideline Calculator

California uses a statewide formula called the guideline calculator to set child support amounts. The formula considers each parent’s income and the time each parent spends with the children. Its goal is to maintain the child’s standard of living similar to what it would have been if the parents stayed together. The calculator weighs several key factors:

• Net disposable income: Each parent’s take-home pay after taxes and deductions
• Parenting time: How much time the child spends with each parent
• Number of children: The total number of children both parents share

California requires courts to include health insurance and childcare costs. Courts may also add educational expenses and extracurricular activities to the base support amount. Reaching an agreement on these costs outside of court gives your family more flexibility. Attorney Murray helps you find that agreement without leaving those decisions to a judge.

Resolving Child Support Outside Of Court In California

A collaborative child support agreement lets both parents set financial terms that reflect their real-life budget. Instead of leaving those decisions to a judge, you and the other parent work with attorney Murray to build an arrangement that fits your actual situation. This approach reduces conflict, keeps costs down and gives your family a stronger foundation from the start.

When income shifts or parenting time changes, attorney Murray can also help both parents revisit the agreement through negotiation or mediation. Keeping that process amicable protects your co-parenting relationship and avoids the cost of returning to court.

Start With A Conversation That Puts Your Family First

You came into this process wanting to protect your children and your financial future. Attorney Murray also brings a practical, candid approach to every case, giving you an honest picture of your options so you can make decisions with confidence. Call our office at 650-642-3897 or reach out to us online to schedule your consultation.