Child support is often one of the most contentious issues to settle during a divorce, and disputes over child support payments can continue to create conflict long after the marriage has ended, sometimes requiring legal action. An experienced child support attorney can help you when issues arise, whether you are the one receiving child support or paying child support.
Child Support Attorneys in Sanford, NC
Once child custody is established, child support matters can be addressed. When both parents are in agreement as to what the amount of child support should be, a child support agreement can often be worked out with the insight and guidance of a child support attorney. However, sometimes it can benefit parents and the child to bring child support matters before the court.
Our experienced family law attorneys understand the protections and rights of the North Carolina child support laws. We can help you obtain child support, as well as pursue any past-due child support payments. If you and your former spouse cannot come to an agreement on child support, our child support attorneys in Sanford, NC can help you file a child support claim or change an existing order.
How Child Support is Calculated in North Carolina
While the financial obligation of child support is shared by both parents, the law in North Carolina doesn’t require both parents to necessarily pay the same amount. The child’s needs and the relative abilities of both parents to pay child support are taken into consideration instead. The Family Law judge will likely calculate the amount for each parent to pay by applying the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. A child support worksheet based on the type of child custody arrangement you have will also be used by the court.
Do I Have to Go to Court to Determine Child Support Payments?
Child support in North Carolina is shared by both parents. It is possible for both parents to voluntarily agree on the amounts each will contribute to the care of their child. If the child support agreement is signed by both parents, as well as the judge, then the agreement becomes enforceable. If disagreements arise, or one parent fails to meet his or her child support obligations, a lawsuit may be needed.
The court will consider a number of factors when determining child support, such as
Every family has different circumstances, and child support requirements for parents can also change over time. Working with a knowledgeable family law attorney can ensure your child support case is handled properly.
Does Child Support Change as a Child Gets Older?
The needs of a child may change. Child support orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. If a modification is requested, a court hearing is scheduled to modify the order. Generally, parents are not required to support a child after they reach 18 years of age, unless the child is still in high school. A motion to terminate child support can be filed after a child reaches the age of 18 and has graduated from high school. Our child support attorneys can help you with modifications to child support orders.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support?
Child support can result in heated arguments and can be a rather contentious process. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the entire process and help reduce any stress involved.
Mediation: Our attorneys represent clients going through divorce to help them reach a child support agreement through mediation.
Court Order: If parents cannot reach an agreement on child support, our family law attorneys can help file a claim for a child support order.
Failure to Pay Child Support: If your former spouse fails to pay child support, our attorneys at Wilson, Reives & Doran may pursue a number of options on your behalf.
Child Support Modifications: Our attorneys help parents obtain modifications of child support payment modifications when circumstances change.
Retroactive Child Support: If you and your former spouse did not originally establish a child support agreement, it may be possible to seek retroactive child support.
Contact an Experienced Child Support Lawyer
Our experienced and dedicated child support attorneys in Sanford, NC will help you through the child support process and ensure your rights are protected. Call us today or use our online form to connect with our team of lawyers for a confidential consultation.