When parents no longer reside in the same home, child support becomes crucial to ensure your child/ren’s best interests are met. Often, one parent may need financial support to adequately provide for their child/ren. The Child Support Standards Act governs child support in the state, establishing guidelines to maintain the child/ren’s standard of living as if the parents were still together.
If you need help with collecting child support or modifying an existing child support Order, an accomplished Rochester child support lawyer can assist. A family attorney may review your case and explain your legal options for seeking support or making payments to support your child/ren.
Various factors determine who can collect child support in the state. Child support is money paid to a child’s custodial parent by the non-custodial parent to help cover expenses, including:
It can also be used to enrich the child/ren’s life with toys, personal items, and activities. Payments may be weekly, biweekly, monthly, or bimonthly.
Generally, a parent with primary physical custody of the child/ren is eligible to collect payments from the non-custodial parent to support the child/ren financially. However, a Rochester child payment attorney may help when there are situations where a parent with joint physical custody is eligible to receive child support. This typically occurs when one parent’s income is substantially higher than the other’s. For unmarried parents, a DNA test may be required to prove paternity before the Court can issue a child support Order.
A child support Order is based on the paying parent’s income as outlined in the Child Support Standards Act. The required percentage of income a parent must pay depends on the number of child/ren they have to support:
These percentages act as average guidelines for payment requirements. If a parent’s financial situation changes – due to job loss, serious illness, job promotion, or loss of housing – a child support Order modification may be necessary. The parent seeking to alter the agreement must request a new Order and provide evidence that meets state requirements.
A child financial aid lawyer in Rochester may help ensure that these payments are calculated fairly and accurately. They may also assist in modifying support Orders based on life changes or income levels.
While most parents are committed to supporting the best interests of their child/ren, many divorced couples have difficulty agreeing on financial matters. Understanding your parental rights and responsibilities is vital for providing sufficient financial support for your child/ren.
If you have questions about receiving support or fulfilling a child support Order, a skilled Rochester child support lawyer at The Colwell Law Group, LLC can help. We can offer clear guidance on your legal rights and responsibilities and assist you with establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support Orders. Speak with us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
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