During and following a divorce, it is important for parents to ensure their children receive adequate financial support. This is true whether they share custody or have sole custody. However, many parents have questions about the process and what factors determine a child support order. An experienced attorney can provide essential assistance and help ensure that all parental responsibilities are met.
Child support is the court-ordered sum that a noncustodial parent pays to the custodial parent or legal guardian to help pay for the child’s living expenses. The amount is based on the gross monthly income of both parties and is determined by using a state-approved calculator. The obligation continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21, or becomes emancipated. The obligation may also extend in certain circumstances to cover college-related expenses for the child or children of either party.
It is generally the responsibility of the noncustodial parent to pay child support, but there are exceptions, particularly in cases involving shared custody. In some cases, both parents are required to pay an equal amount of support if the parties share parenting time equally. It is the role of the judge in each case to establish how much support will be paid based on the relevant circumstances.
Parents may also need to request a modification of a current child support arrangement. This may be due to a change in the financial status of one party, or it could be necessary to reflect other changing circumstances. For example, a recent job loss could significantly affect the amount of child support that will be paid. A lawyer can review the details of a child support settlement and pursue any necessary changes in the interest of the children involved.
The attorneys at Davis & Associates focus on family law matters, including child support cases. The firm serves clients in St. Louis and the surrounding area and provides services such as determining relevant income factors, calculating child support payments, and enforcing existing orders. In addition to child support, the firm handles divorce and other related matters.
Ahearn Kershman Law Firm LLC is a St. Louis family law practice that handles complex issues. Its lawyers assist clients in settling child support obligations based on their income, insurance expenses, and childcare costs. The firm also represents parents in international child support matters. Founding partner John Kershman is a member of the Hague Convention Attorney Network through the U.S. Department of State.
Spirn Family Law is a team of attorneys that serves St. Louis and the surrounding region in family law cases, including those involving child support. The firm assists clients in establishing child support agreements during divorce proceedings and seeks enforcement of existing arrangements. In addition, the firm can handle matters such as property division, spousal support, and pre-nuptial agreements.
Finding an experienced child support lawyer is important for ensuring that your child’s needs are being met and that you receive the appropriate amount of money. An experienced lawyer can ensure that the other party is meeting their legal responsibilities, and can take legal action to enforce any unpaid monies.