5 Reasons to Hire a Child Support Lawyer
Child support is often a contentious matter and navigating this area of the law can be emotionally taxing and stressful if handled alone. Having an experienced professional on hand to guide you through the process and help you understand your rights as well as advocate for your children’s best interests is essential. In this article, we will look at some of the ways in which a child support lawyer can help you in your case.
Determining the Amount of Child Support
Determining the amount of child support a parent should pay involves a number of different factors including the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. However, conflicts can still arise as to how these factors are applied and calculated. A child support lawyer can provide valuable assistance, ensuring that the amount of child support is calculated fairly and in line with the law.
Modifications of Child Support Orders
Circumstances can change over time, such as changes in the financial circumstances of one or both parents or in the needs of a child, requiring modifications to the initial child support order. Obtaining a modification of child support orders can be a complex and challenging process, but it is possible with the help of a child support lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and present a compelling case for a modification to the court.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
Some parents do not comply with the terms of their child support order. For example, they may pay less than the ordered amount, persistently make late payments, or avoid payments altogether. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek legal help from a child support lawyer who can guide you in taking legal action to enforce the child support order. This may include filing a motion for contempt or requesting wage garnishment to ensure that child support payments are made on time and in full.
Disputes over Parentage
In some cases, a parent may dispute their biological relationship to a child. A child support lawyer can help to resolve such disputes by providing legal advice to a parent, gathering evidence to support a parent’s claim of parentage, presenting the necessary evidence in court, as well as negotiating a settlement that is in the best interests of the parents and of the child.
Collection of Past-Due Child Support
Sometimes, a parent may fall behind on their child support payments and in this instance a child support lawyer can help with the collection of past-due child support by taking legal action to enforce the child support order. This might include filing a motion for contempt, seeking wage garnishment, seizing the assets of the non-paying parent, or assisting in negotiating a repayment plan that is acceptable to both parties.
Conclusion
Child support cases can be a complicated and daunting area. Whether you are seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, a skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legalities and protect your rights as a parent.
