Disputes over child support and custody arrangements can be the most contentious and emotionally charged issues during a divorce. With the child’s welfare and future at stake, both parties want to balance their parental rights while ensuring that their children are taken care of in the best way possible. Because of the shared love parents have for their children and the potential for things to become quickly heated, it can be challenging to come to an agreement on your own. That’s where a Palm Desert child support lawyer can step in and help.
If you are going through a divorce and have children, it is important that you work with an attorney who has experience in family law and can help you negotiate a fair and equitable child support agreement. Your lawyer will advise you on your rights and responsibilities as a parent, help you understand the child support laws in California, and represent your interests in court, if necessary.
The Law Offices of Athina K. Powers is a family law firm representing clients in child support cases throughout Palm Desert, California. We understand the importance of ensuring that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, and we are committed to helping our clients reach fair and reasonable agreements.
If you are in the process of a divorce and need assistance negotiating a child support agreement, please contact our office to consult. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you get started on the path to a resolution that values the best interests of your children.
If you consider hiring child support attorneys in Palm Desert, there are several reasons this may be a wise decision. Here are some popular reasons to hire an attorney:
When it comes to figuring out how much child support needs to be paid, the State of California uses a mathematical formula that considers several factors, including:
The court then orders the child support amount after considering all the above criteria. If either parent feels that the child support amount ordered is not fair, they have the right to appeal the decision. This is when the court will reconsider the factors outlined above and either make a new determination or affirm the original order.
Child support lawyers protect the interests of parents who are going through a divorce or have already been divorced. During a divorce, a child support lawyer will help their client get the child plan and support that is best for them and their children.
If a plan has already been established, a child support attorney can help with this process. It’s important to have this option, as life circumstances often change, and child support payments may need to be adjusted to reflect the new reality. The requesting party must show there has been a significant change in circumstances since the last child support order was made for the modification to be made. This could be a change in income, a change in the number of children being supported, or a change in the amount of time the children spend with each parent. If you are considering requesting a child support modification, it is important to speak with an attorney who can help put in a request that has the best chance of being approved.
If the other parent is not paying court-ordered child support, certain steps can be taken to enforce the order. The most common enforcement method is wage garnishment, which takes money directly out of the non-paying parent’s paycheck to cover the child support payments.
Other options include:
If none of the above enforcement measures work, the last resort is to file a motion with the court to have the non-paying parent arrested. It’s important to remember that the child support order is a legal document and must be followed by both parents. If you are experiencing difficulties getting the other parent to pay, it is best to speak with an attorney who can help you enforce the order or execute other remedies available to you.
When considering whether to hire a child support lawyer, it is important to understand how they are paid. Typically, child support lawyers will charge either an hourly rate or a flat fee. An hourly rate means that the lawyer will charge a certain amount for every hour they work on your case. A flat fee means that you will pay a fixed amount for the lawyer’s services, regardless of how long the case takes. It is important to discuss the lawyer’s fees with them before hiring them so that you know what to expect.
It is also important to be aware that many child support lawyers offer free consultations. This gives you the opportunity to meet with the lawyer and discuss your case without having to pay anything upfront. This can be a great way to get started on your case and figure out what steps need to be taken next.
If you are going through a divorce and have child support issues to deal with, here are a few tips to help make the process a little bit easier:
Child support cases can be difficult to navigate on your own. If you need help with a child support issue, contact the Law Offices of Athina K. Powers today. Our first conversation will be focused on assessing the facts of your case and the best course of action. Contact us today to begin.