Everyone wants the best for their family and hiring a good child support lawyer will make a difference. Here are some things to think about.
A child support lawyer will do his or her best to keep your family's best interests at the forefront. This is true for the parent who is making the payments as well as the one who has custody. If a child splits time between parents,
awards may depend on who has the higher income. These legal agreements are drawn up after a divorce, legal separation or sometimes in the cases where paternity tests have proven fatherhood and financial responsibility. Here are some things to think about:
- How the amount is determined: Multiple factors will be taken into account when it comes to the monthly sum of money contributed to raise one's offspring. Sometimes a flat percentage will be taken from income and other times factors such as need, insurance provided and ability to pay are computed, as well.
- Modifications: Over the time span it takes to raise children, modifications may be made to the original award because of income changes, visitation and custody divisions. If a change is needed, a motion must be filed through the courts and the alterations will or will not be approved by a judge.
- What is paid with these monies: It takes a substantial sum of money to comfortably raise a youngster from infancy through the teen years. Many things are covered with these payments including childcare, medical bills, food, housing, clothing, tutoring, private school tuition, therapy, and much more. Sometimes college tuition will be included, as well, depending on the divorce agreement.
- How it's paid: Support payments may be made in a variety of ways. Some municipalities require that they collect the sums and distribute them to the guardian parent. With this method, the courts can monitor who is or isn't paying the required amounts. In the case of tuition, medical bills or insurance, the person required to pay may do so directly. If an individual neglects to pay his or her court mandated portion, he or she will be hearing from the judicial system. It is not at all unusual for a person's wages to be garnished, tax refunds seized or resorting to other collection methods. When a person has children, taking care of them financially is mandatory and critical to their wellbeing.
-How the kids benefit: The most important part of a solid system of financial support that a child support lawyer can provide is that the kids benefit in multiple ways.
* Physically: With adequate income, youngsters can have healthy food, safe housing, clothing that fits, medical care and quality day care.
* Emotionally: When the custodial parent isn't stressed over money, the child benefits from a more relaxed home environment. Knowing that the non-custodial dad or mom cares enough to provide financial resources makes the child feel loved and taken care of.
* Educationally: By having adequate resources for tutoring, school supplies, tuition and early childhood education, a youngster will be better educated and have a brighter future.
Families are very important to everyone. Making sure a good child support lawyer is on board will benefit all members of society.
