CHILD SUPPORT

Child support issues generally arise when two parents, who do not reside together, cannot agree upon how to address the financial aspects of raising their children. Other times, child support issues arise when a person that is the legal caregiver of a child requests child support from a parent who does not have custody of the child. Child support is established, (in theory) to help provide for day to day living expenses of a child. This is generally for food, clothing, shelter, health insurance, special needs of a child, and unusual and extraordinary expenses. If formal agreements are required for support of a child, it can be accomplished through a court order (a document signed by a judge) or by a formal agreement, which is generally written. In either circumstance, having an attorney is helpful throughout the process of negotiations and preparation of the correct documents.

The laws in North Carolina, which govern child support (most frequently) are the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. These laws provide formulas to establish a monthly payment amount which id supposed to provide for the health, education and maintenance of a child or children. The calculation relies heavily upon each parent's monthly income, and the help of an attorney that is familiar with determining monthly income can save the paying parent a lot of money.

Sometimes the general rules for Child Support calculations do not satisfy the goals for supporting a child's needs for health, education, and maintenance. If this is possible in your particular situation, or the amount as prescribed under the Child Support Guidelines is inappropriate or unjust, then you may want to consider deviating from the guidelines. Deviation cases are somewhat complex, and an attorney who is familiar with the process associated with deviation can be an invaluable resource for such a matter.

If you are contacted by Child Support Enforcement about paying child support, it is wise to meet with an attorney to discuss the case prior to speaking to this government agency. If Child Support Enforcement contacts you about your making payments, Child Support Enforcement is not on your side. They may want you to agree to monthly payments, and they will most likely ask you to sign documents. Speak with an attorney first.

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