In most states, divorced parents are responsible for providing for their children, and child support payments are generally paid by the non-custodial parent. Various laws can come into play, and navigating or modifying a child support arrangement can be difficult.
At the Aberdeen Law Firm, our family law lawyers can answer your questions about child support and help you ensure your child is provided for. If you are going through a divorce or separation, we can help you seek child support from the other parent. We can determine how much they should pay and work toward a court order for that amount. We can also help if your ex fails to pay child support or if you need to make changes to your child support agreement.
Child Support Laws
Most states have a host of child support laws, and our lawyers can help you make sense of them. We can help you establish your custodial arrangements, whether sole, joint, or split. We can help you retain legal custody, so you have the right to make decisions on behalf of your child’s well-being.
We can also help determine the amount you or your ex should pay in child support. Typically, child support payments depend on the number of children you are legally obligated to provide for and the parents’ combined income.
Other Factors Family Court Considers When Determining Child Support
No two families’ needs are exactly the same, and the court could consider additional factors regarding a parent’s child support obligations, including the child’s educational and healthcare needs, or a court-ordered division of custody.
For example, if the child has special needs, the court may order one parent to pay more in child support. Determining the appropriate amount can become complicated, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our legal team can help advocate for your child and walk you through a court hearing.
Modifications to Child Support Payments
Sometimes, you may need to make modifications to child support payments. For example, if a parent’s monthly income changes, you may need to petition the court for an adjustment of child support obligations.
Our child support lawyers can guide you through every step of the legal process of applying for modified child support.
When a Parent Fails to Provide Child Support
Simply having a court order demanding child support from your ex doesn’t always mean they’ll follow through with providing for your child. According to a 2018 press release from the United States Census Bureau, just under 44 percent of parents receive their full child support. This can be a heartbreaking and financially straining situation for the custodial parent, but our child support lawyers can help.
You may be able to file a contempt action against a parent who fails to meet their child support obligations. The parent will be forced to attend a hearing, and the court will determine whether the cause for the failure warrants relief. If a parent cannot afford their existing child support obligations, the court may order them to find employment or use assets to meet their original court orders.
Whether you are a custodial parent or one with child support obligations, our lawyers can help you navigate a hearing.
Child Support Is Essential to Your Child’s Well-Being
Nothing is more important than making sure your child is provided with the support they need to live a healthy, stable life and grow into a successful adult. Child support is an essential step in this process, and we are here to advocate for them.
Every parent knows that raising a child can be expensive. From school to daycare to doctor’s appointments, children need financial support to develop the necessary skills to grow into self-sufficient adults and function in society.
If you are struggling to collect child support, you have options. And you don’t have to face them alone. At Aberdeen Law Firm, our child support lawyers can help you with an original arrangement or a modification to a child support order.
Our Child Support Lawyers Offer Client-Focused Legal Care
As we’ve said before, no two families have the same parenting plans or require the same amount of financial backing for their children. Laws surrounding child support issues are complex, and various contingencies can come into play. You want to make sure that you’re getting the best for your child, and we are here to help.
When we take on your case, we don’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we take the time to listen to your concerns and explore your unique legal options. We also never leave you in the dark about your case. We make ourselves available to answer our clients’ questions and concerns throughout the entire process.
Our Child Support Lawyers Can Guide You Through the Legal Process
Since child support guidelines can be so complex, our firm offers resources to help parents understand their options. We invite you to peruse our learning center and free resources, where we post videos and blogs on family law.
You can get ahead of the game, whether you are filing for divorce or legal separation. We have information about a range of topics, including child custody, property division, unmarried couples, arbitration, and restraining orders. We can answer any questions you have about non-custodial parents, child support arrears, or how your children figure into your tax filing status.
You are always welcome to discuss your particular situation during a consultation. We can give you more personalized advice and explain more about how our law firm can help.
Call The Aberdeen Law Firm for Help With Child Support Arrangements
Don’t wait to address your concerns about child support. We can help with child support agreements whether you are filing for divorce or legal separation, or your ex is not paying their child support. We know that your greatest concern is being a supportive parent and seeing your child prosper. You shouldn’t have to worry about supporting them alone after a divorce or separation. You have rights, and we are here to help.
Call the Aberdeen Law Firm today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your initial consultation.