Child support may be among the most contentious topics you and your spouse must address when getting a divorce. Whether you're the one likely to pay or receive child support, it's important to understand that navigating this process may be easier with the help of a family law professional.

Strongly consider hiring a family law attorney with experience representing clients like yourself when getting a divorce from a spouse with whom you have children. As the following overview will explain, child support matters is just one of several potential issues your lawyer could help you address at this time.

Understanding Child Support

Child support laws vary from one state to another. This is among the many reasons it’s smart to hire a child support lawyer in these circumstances. You’ll benefit from the assistance of an expert familiar with your state’s laws and how they impact your case.

When two spouses or partners with children divorce or separate, one may need to make monthly child support payments to the other. Typically, the one receiving child support payments will have custody of the children. 

Child support serves to ensure a parent can provide for such needs as a child’s:

• Food
• Housing
• Medical needs
• Other needs that may arise

Child support payments usually end when a child reaches adulthood. However, there are exceptions. For example, a child with special needs might still require child support after reaching adult age.

How Does a Lawyer Help With a Child Support Case?

A family law lawyer can assist you when navigating child support matters in a wide variety of potential ways. Noteworthy examples include:

• Calculating the amount of child support that may be necessary
• Showing why you should receive a certain amount of child support, or why you should only pay a certain amount, depending on your situation
• Guiding you through every step of the process
• Completing paperwork and other such administrative tasks

Be aware that a child support attorney can even be of help after you’ve already gone through with a divorce or separation. For example, you may wish to modify a child support order if you can no longer pay as much as you’ve been paying, or you have any other reason to believe an existing order should change. A lawyer can help you with this process as well.

How Much Does a Child Support Attorney Cost?

Different child support lawyers charge different rates. They may also have different means of charging their clients. Some charge hourly rates, some charge flat rates, and some lawyers you may keep on retainer.

It’s very important to discuss this topic thoroughly with an attorney before deciding to hire them. Although you don’t want to weaken your case by hiring an unqualified lawyer, you do need to consider your budget as well.

Get Help From A Family Law Lawyer

The specific ways a family law attorney may help you when child support matters arise will depend on the specific details of your case. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent attorney who may be able to help with your case.