Child Support & Maintenance
Understanding Child Support Obligations
Child support ensures that both parents contribute financially to their children's upbringing, regardless of custody arrangements. Our family law attorneys provide knowledgeable guidance through the complex process of establishing, enforcing, and modifying support orders that protect your children's well-being while addressing the financial realities of all parties involved.
How Child Support is Determined
Most states calculate child support using established guidelines that consider factors including:
Gross income of both parents
Number and ages of children requiring support
Parenting time arrangements
Health insurance and medical expenses
Childcare costs necessary for parental employment
Educational expenses
Special needs of the children
Pre-existing support obligations for other children
These guidelines create a starting point, but courts may deviate based on unique circumstances. Our attorneys ensure all relevant factors are properly documented and considered in your case.
Types of Expenses Covered by Child Support
Child support typically covers basic necessities including housing, food, clothing, and transportation. However, questions often arise about additional expenses such as:
Medical Expenses
Most support orders address health insurance coverage and allocation of uninsured medical expenses. We help negotiate fair arrangements for these costs.
Educational Expenses
From school supplies to college tuition, educational costs can significantly impact support calculations. Our team advocates for appropriate provisions addressing these expenses.
Activities that enrich children's lives—sports, music lessons, summer camps—may require specific provisions beyond basic support. We help develop comprehensive agreements that provide for children's full development.
Maintenance/Spousal Support Considerations
When marriages end, one spouse may be entitled to maintenance (also called alimony or spousal support). Unlike child support, maintenance calculations often involve greater judicial discretion. Our attorneys help you understand:
Eligibility for maintenance
Potential duration of support obligations
Tax implications of maintenance payments
Impact of remarriage on support obligations
Interplay between child support and maintenance
Establishing Initial Support Orders
Whether through negotiation or litigation, establishing appropriate support requires thorough financial documentation and strategic advocacy. Our approach includes:
Comprehensive Financial Analysis
We conduct detailed reviews of income sources, assets, and expenses to ensure accurate support calculations.
Income Verification
When income is complex (self-employment, commissions, bonuses, overtime) or potentially concealed, we can employ forensic accounting techniques to ensure all resources are properly documented.
Negotiated Settlements
When possible, we negotiate settlements that address unique family circumstances while avoiding costly court battles.
Litigation Representation
When necessary, we provide strong courtroom advocacy to ensure judges have complete information to make fair support determinations.
Modification of Support Orders
As life circumstances change, support orders may require modification. We help clients navigate modifications based on substantial changes including:
Significant income changes (job loss, promotion, career change)
Changes in custody or parenting time arrangements
Children's changing needs (educational, medical, developmental)
Emancipation of children covered by existing orders
Relocation affecting custody or expenses
Enforcement of Support Obligations
When parents fail to meet support obligations, prompt action is essential. Our attorneys assist with enforcement through:
Administrative Remedies
Including income withholding Including income withholding and getting Child Support Enforcement involved to complete tax refund interception, credit bureau reporting
Judicial Enforcement
Filing contempt actions when necessary to compel compliance with court orders.
Strategic Representation for High-Income Families
High-income families face unique considerations in support proceedings:
Guidelines may not adequately address substantial income levels
Complex assets and compensation structures require sophisticated analysis
Children's standard of living expectations may influence support determinations
Tax implications become increasingly significant
Our attorneys provide discreet, specialized representation that addresses these complexities while protecting your financial interests.
Alternative Support Arrangements
Traditional monthly payments aren't the only option for fulfilling support obligations. We help clients explore alternatives including:
Lump-sum settlements
Property transfers in lieu of ongoing support
Trust arrangements for children's future needs
Direct payment arrangements for specific expenses
College savings contributions
Client-Centered Approach
Whether you're seeking support, responding to support requests, or modifying existing orders, our attorneys provide personalized guidance focused on your unique circumstances. We explain applicable laws in straightforward terms, set realistic expectations, and develop strategies aligned with your priorities and concerns.
Schedule a Consultation
Understanding your rights and obligations regarding child support and maintenance is essential for making informed decisions that affect your family's financial future. Contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced family law attorney who will evaluate your specific situation and outline potential paths forward.
