Child Support Law Office in Lancaster, OH
The law provides parents with both rights and responsibilities when it comes to their children, so child support will be at the forefront of a divorce case, paternity matters, and related proceedings. However, even when parents understand the obligation to pay, disputes are common; often, they have little to do with the child, but rather ill feelings about the parental relationship breaking down. Regardless of whether you are paying or receiving child support, you can see how emotion and complex laws can complicate your situation.
At Dawes Legal, our team has in-depth knowledge of the relevant statutes and extensive experience representing clients in child support cases. We will fight to ensure fairness through the proceedings, and we are ready to take action to enforce a previously entered order. Please contact us to set up a consultation today. A child support attorney can explain specifics, but some background information may be helpful.
Laws on Child Support
A divorce court will order child support in connection with determinations on child custody and visitation, and it will usually be the nonresidential parent who pays. In addition, child support is an issue once paternity has been established with respect to unmarried parents. States have enacted a set of child support guidelines for determining the amount to be paid. The formulas are complicated, but they generally involve assessment of income and the amount of time each spends with the child. Payments are intended to cover:
- Food and clothing;
- Lodging and utilities;
- Medical care and health insurance; and,
- Basic educational needs of the child.
However, child support may also include amounts for travel, extracurricular activities, entertainment, and other expenses.
Our Lancaster Child Support Lawyers Will Advocate on Your Behalf
The starting off point for child support questions is filing paperwork regarding net disposable income from all sources, as well as monthly expenses. Each parent is required to submit this documentation to enable the court to apply the child support guidelines. Our attorneys at Dawes Legal will advise you on the formula and assist with preparing the forms.
If you and your co-parent can agree on the guidelines, as well as any additional amounts for child support, it will not be necessary to conduct a hearing. We will advocate on your behalf to ensure the proper orders are entered, but we will aggressively fight for your rights at a contested hearing. Note that, once the court enters a child support order, it has the force and effect of law. As such, one parent may have the right to enforce the support obligation through court action.
Discuss Your Situation with a Child Support Attorney
As you can see, child support laws and legal proceedings are much more complicated than determining who pays and how much. Our team at Dawes Legal is ready to fight for your rights with initial orders, but we are also prepared to assist with enforcement efforts. For more information on our legal services, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Lancaster child support lawyer.
