The cost of hiring a family lawyer will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of your case, the location of the lawyer, and the lawyer’s experience and reputation. Some family lawyers charge an hourly rate, while others charge a flat fee or a contingency fee (a percentage of any settlement or judgment). It is important to discuss the cost of legal services with a potential lawyer before hiring them, so that you have a clear understanding of their fees and any other expenses you may incur. You may also want to ask about payment plans or other options for financing your legal representation.

The process for obtaining full custody of a child, also known as sole custody, will depend on the laws of your state and the specific circumstances of your case. In general, the court will consider the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. The court will consider factors such as the child’s age, their relationships with each parent and other family members, the child’s emotional and physical needs, and the child’s preferences (if they are old enough to express them).

To increase your chances of obtaining full custody, you will need to provide evidence that you are the better parent to care for the child. This might include evidence of your strong bond with the child, your ability to provide a stable and safe home environment, and your willingness to cooperate with the other parent. It is generally in the child’s best interests to have a relationship with both parents, so the court may award joint custody (shared decision-making responsibility) instead of sole custody.

It is important to note that custody disputes can be emotionally challenging for everyone involved, including the child. It may be helpful to seek the advice of a family lawyer or a mental health professional to help you navigate the process and minimize any negative impact on the child.

In California, the amount of child support that is paid is determined by state guidelines. These guidelines take into account the income of both parents and the needs of the child. The court may deviate from the guidelines in certain circumstances, such as when the child has extraordinary medical expenses or when the parent paying support has a very high income.

To calculate child support in California, you can use the state’s child support calculator or you can use a formula known as the “guideline formula.” The guideline formula takes into account the following factors:

1. The gross income of both parents
2. The number of children for whom support is being paid
3. The amount of time each parent spends with the child (also known as “timeshare”)
4. The cost of health insurance for the child
5. The cost of child care

It is important to note that the child support guidelines in California are subject to change, so you should check with a family lawyer or refer to the state’s website for the most up-to-date information.