In the wake of a divorce or separation, children are often left without adequate financial support. A good Child Support Attorney can help ensure that their needs are met so they can lead happy, healthy lives. In addition to providing financial guidance, an experienced family lawyer can provide strong legal representation to parents in child custody and visitation cases.
When a child’s parents separate or divorce, the court usually determines the amount of child support that is to be paid by one parent to the other. The courts base their decision on the standard of living that the children would have enjoyed had the parents remained together and on the income of both parties. A judge also takes into account the unique circumstances of each case.
The court’s primary consideration is the well-being of the children, so they will try to find an arrangement that is in the best interests of them. While there is a lot of flexibility, the courts generally adhere to guidelines that are established by law. In order to deviate from those guidelines, a party must prove that there is a substantial change in either the paying or receiving parent’s financial circumstances.
Many parents complain that their former spouses use their child support checks for personal expenses. They argue that the child support money is being spent on vacations, clothing and other personal items instead of on things that benefit the children. This is a difficult argument to make, especially given that the court has no way of knowing how the paying parent spends their money.
A skilled Orlando Child Support Attorney will know how to gather and verify accurate income information so that the court can reach a fair and reasonable child support agreement. They will be familiar with situations in which the court can deviate from the guidelines and will work diligently to provide the highest level of service for their clients.
The court can take a variety of actions if either parent does not pay child support. In the worst case scenario, the court can even put the offending parent in jail. However, before it gets that far, the government will take less drastic measures such as suspending a parent’s driver’s license, restricting their passport, garnishing their wages or taking away government benefits.
The attorneys at Schlegel Law have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle all aspects of a complex divorce, custody or paternity case involving minor children. We understand that these are sensitive and emotional issues for all parties involved, so we will strive to provide the compassionate, dedicated service that our clients deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Child Support Attorney. We are proud to offer a wide variety of services that touch on the most private and personal aspects of people’s lives. We will be with you every step of the way to guide you to a favorable outcome in your child support case.