Variations to Child Support Law
Child support laws determines the financial responsibility to the children of divorced spouses. The non-custodial parent pays for the child’s living expenses, and it is a family law attorney who specializes in child support law.
Child support laws ensure the non-custodial parent shares the financial responsibility of their children. While the law may order both fathers and mothers to pay for the child’s living expenses, traditionally, fathers have born this expense. However, with more women in the workplace and joint custody agreements on the increase, this is not always the case.
Since support laws for children change in different states, you have to ensure you choose an attorney who is well versed with the laws of the state in which divorce has been filed. However as these laws are rather broad, they can be customized to individual family requirements.
Variations of these laws
Enforced compliance: After a divorce, the non-custodial parent may neglect or refuse to honor court-ordered obligations to their chld. Most states address ‘deadbeat dad’ issues by garnering the responsible parent’s wages to prevent late or absent payments.
Calculation of financial obligations: According to federal law, independent states have independent guidelines that determine how much a court can order as child support. These laws were created to ensure uniformity in child support amount, no matter the judge or litigants, although formulas vary. Check your state’s child support calculator to determine the obligation. These are easily found online. Be sure to specify the state in which your child is a legal resident.
The effect of a parent’s remarriage on child support: While the step-parent is not legally responsible for the step-child unless or until said child is adopted, the court may take into consideration the step-parent’s income while calculating support payments. Based on the circumstances, the custodial parent’s financial situation usually changes with a remarriage, prompting the reevaluatoin.
Period of child support: All U.S. states require that a parent pay support until the child attains their majority. However, in some states, the parent is obligated to pay the child support throughout their schooling, or may be terminated should the child joins the armed services.
Recalculation of child support payment: Changes in life can affect a parent’s financial position or the child’s monetary needs. With the provision of recalculating support payments in child support laws, support will be reevaluated if a parent loses a job or endures other financial straits. Responsibility for medical expenses, including health insurance, is usually included in the initial agreement. However, in catastrophic situations, this may again require recalculation.
A qualified family law attorney possesses the necessary tools to navigate the intricacies of child custody and support law. Years of court and mediation experience allow the Houston law firm of W. Matthew Waldrop to help the court assign appropriate parental responsibility, pursue parents in default, and ensure their health and well-being as far as can be established by law. Divorce affects the entire family. Protection of your child’s rights and welfare is our first priority.
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