Family Attorney

Divorce is often a complex and challenging process to work through. While there are a number of reasons for people to reach the decision to file for divorce, it’s important to be aware that this period of time will be an adjustment for you and your family. Child support, is one such component to this next chapter. Whether you will be the parent who retains physical custody or the non custodial parent who will be paying child support, it’s likely that you will be wondering the amount of child support that will be ordered. This is where the assistance of a family lawyer can play a key role. Not only will they be able to represent you during divorce proceedings, they can also assist you in understanding all matters related to child custody, especially child support payments.

What is child support?

Child support is a specific amount of money that is ordered by the court to help assist in covering the expense of caring for a child. When enduring divorce, it’s likely that your children will be impacted by the significant changes that are occuring. Child support aims to help maintain a child’s standard of living so that the impact on them is mitigated.

What does child support cover?

Child support can cover a vast array of a child’s cost of living. In most cases, child support covers the basic necessities, such as:

  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Shelter
  • Medical Care
  • Educational Costs
  • Childcare

It’s important to be aware that some of a child’s expenses may not be covered through child support. This may require additional negotiations with the other parent. In some cases, certain expenses may be covered. However, to ensure this occurs, you will need the help of a child support lawyer.

Which parent is able to obtain child support?

The parent responsible with paying child support will largely rely upon who retains physical custody of the child. While you both may share legal custody, physical custody pertains to where the child is living most of the time. While the noncustodial parent may have a visitation schedule that has been outlined in the child custody agreement, they are likely the parent who will be obligated to help the other parent by paying child support. In most cases, child custody may be determined through the divorce and child custody process.

How is child support valued during a divorce?

Determining the proper monthly child support payments will largely depend on several factors. Each state calculates child support payments differently, making a child support lawyer essential to helping you understand the financial obligations that may be expected of you. In many cases your income will help to determine child support payments. The court will review a number of factors, including:

  • The age of the child
  • The specific needs of the child
  • The income of both parents
  • The child’s standard of living prior to the divorce
  • The number of children you have

Child support may be a necessary component to your divorce when children are involved. Divorce proceeding and subsequent child custody situations can be incredibly challenging. Although you and your ex may have the best of intentions as you initiate divorce proceedings, it’s not uncommon for things to quickly go awry. With heightened emotions, at times it may be difficult to keep this at the forefront. Working with a family lawyer can provide you with the benefit of an experienced professional who can guide you through the legal process.

Source: Family Attorney Tampa, FL, The Mckinney Law Group