Child Support Law Guide
If you are ordered to pay child support you are obligated to keep making the payments until the child reaches adulthood. Failure to follow the provisions of a child support order or failing to make the scheduled payments may be considered contempt of court, and will hold serious legal consequences. However, the paying parent does have a right to request a modification of child support payments. We will discuss these rights and obligations in more detail below.
What are Child Support and Obligations Laws?Child support law deals with the legal obligation of non-custodial parents to contribute financially to the rearing of their children. These laws are enacted at the state level. However, because a child support order remains in effect until a child reaches the age of majority (or even longer in some instances), administration of the order can become a multi-jurisdictional issue as parents and children relocate. Determinations of child support are usually incorporated into family law cases that also cover matters such as divorce, separation, paternity, custody, and visitation.
Read more- Requesting Child Support
Requesting child support is a relatively straightforward process. If a family law case has already been opened, the parent entitled to support can simply file a petition for support with the court. A similar filing may be submitted in a new case, although special notice rules apply for initiating the case to ensure the court can lawfully assert jurisdiction over the other parent.
Read more - Consequences of not Paying Child Support
The enforcement methods are based on state law as well as the specific circumstances involved in the case.
Read more - Child Support Payment Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to monies when paying for child support?
Read more - Child Support Payment Enforcement
In an ideal world every non-custodial parent would pay child support voluntarily. Of course this does not always happen, and it is often necessary to take steps to enforce a support order through the court system, a local government agency, or a private attorney.
Read more - Child Support Payment Obligations
The consequences from a failure to pay child support vary on a state by state basis and may include administrative, monetary, or criminal penalties.
Read more - Getting Back Child Support Payments
In what circumstances can you be reimbursed for child support? Learn the conditions allowing you to get back child support payments.
Read more - Modifying The Child Support Terms
It is extremely common for child support orders to be modified from time to time to reflect changes in the living circumstances of the parties. As the child grows up, either parent may experience a sudden increase or decrease in income.
Read more - When Can I Avoid Paying Child Support
Are there circumstances when you can suspend or stop paying child support? When can you avoid paying child support?
Read more - Child Support When The Other Party Is Abroad
When one parent lives in another country, it can be extremely difficult for the other parent to enforce an existing child support order. However, some cases are not quite as complex as others.
Read more - How Can A Lawyer Help Me With Child Support?
If you believe you have a right to collect support on behalf of your child, hiring an attorney will allow you to avoid dealing with the other parent directly. It will also help ensure your child receives as much money as possible without delay. Contact an attorney now to start the process.
Read more
