Can a Lawyer Help with Child Support Back Payments and Do You Need One for Child Support?
Child support can be emotionally and financially taxing on both sides. So whether you are a custodial parent who needs support payments or a non-custodial parent who is facing back payments, you need to know what your legal rights and responsibilities are. There are two questions that come up quite frequently in such cases:
1- Can a lawyer help get child support back payments dropped? 2- Do you need a lawyer for child support issues?
These are some of the questions we will discuss here and why having a family law attorney on your side can be so effective.
Can a Lawyer Help Get Child Support Back Payments Dropped?
Back payments or arrears in the case of child support are paid if a parent isn’t paying child support. These arrears are a legal obligation and can quickly add up in amount and can be financially crippling as well as legally damaging.
It’s not always possible to have back payments on child support completely terminated, but a good child support lawyer can sometimes be the difference in these situations:
Conciliation With the Other Parent: If the custodial parent is receptive, a lawyer can negotiate a settlement or abatement of the back payments.
Requesting a Modification: If your financial condition has radically altered, your lawyer can request a modification in order to make future payments less burdensome.
Arguments Against Exaggerated Rates: A lawyer will check your case and explain whether or not the arrears were calculated incorrectly and request for modifications.
Look at Forgiveness Schemes: In some states, arrears can be forgiven on the condition of paying up.
You should know that arrears in child support due to the government — including public assistance payments — are less likely to be reduced or forgiven.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support?
If you’re a child support payer, you don’t have to, but having a child support lawyer can be very beneficial:
Navigating Complex Laws: Child support is complex, it varies from state to state and an attorney can make sure you know what your rights are.
Make Those Numbers Exactly Right: Lawyers make sure that the child support payments are properly calculated, considering income, expenses, and parenting time.
Advocating for Your Interests: Whether you are fighting for something or requesting money, a lawyer can stand up for you in negotiations and court.
Changes to Existing Orders: If you have a different financial situation, a lawyer can help you change your child support order.
Enforcing or Refusal of Payments: If payment is not coming or too much, the order can be enforcéed or challenged by a lawyer.
What Moradi Saslaw Law Family Lawyers Can Do For You?
Moradi Saslaw Law Family Attorneys knows what it is like when child support is an issue. Our family law attorneys in Oakland can help you with compassionate and effective legal advice based on your individual case. Child support enforcement, modifications, or arrears assistance — we can help you through it all.
FAQs on Child Support Legal Matters
Can a lawyer stop child support payments entirely?A child support attorney can’t stop child support payments from occurring altogether if they are court-ordered, but they can apply for changes or reductions under special circumstances.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer for child support? Most family lawyers have consultations and payment arrangements. There might also be legal assistance services that help the low-income.
How long does the child support process take? The length of time will vary according to the extent of the case. You can have a lawyer speed things up and make sure all of the documents and arguments are correct.
Are back payments automatically forgiven if I file for bankruptcy?In bankruptcy, no, child support debt isn’t exempt. Seek the assistance of a lawyer to explore alternatives.
Is hiring a lawyer worth the cost? An experienced family law lawyer will save you in the long run both money and tension by working to obtain just results and avoid mistakes.
Take the Next Step
If you’re having problems with child support, don’t go it alone. Moradi Saslaw Law Family Attorneys in Oakland now to receive specialized assistance and legal advice specific to your case. Let us find you a solution that works for you and your family.