Setting and managing child support payments is an important part of making sure that a child is taken care of when the parents do not live together, whether because they were never married or due to divorce.
However, many parents are unsure of the process of child support payments in New Haven or what to expect. Working with a seasoned child support attorney can help parents determine the best solution for their needs. Contact our law office today to find out more.
Child support payments are based on various factors, including the income of both parents, the amount of custodial time each parent has, and the number of children covered by the support arrangement. The parents must fill out a child support worksheet to help determine how much the noncustodial parent should pay each month. The court will then approve or set the child support amount.
Even if both parents agree on a child support amount, they should go through the court system to set up payments. Connecticut courts ensure a legal record of the child support amount and that if the noncustodial parent does not make payments on time, the custodial parent has options for collecting.
Typically, the judge will set child support in the amount that is considered beneficial for the child. The state’s goal is to ensure that the child receives the same level of support as if both parents were living together in the same household.
Once the process of setting up child support is complete, the custodial parent in New Haven will need to determine how they want to be paid. If the court enforces the order via the Child Support Enforcement office, the noncustodial parent will either have payments withheld from their paycheck or make payments to Child Support Enforcement.
Connecticut child support payments are handled electronically using one of two options: direct deposit or the Connecticut Child Support Visa card. Electronic payments are typically considered more secure than cash or checks because there is a record of the transaction. Similarly, electronic deposits can offer security to custodial and noncustodial parents.
If the noncustodial parent does not make payments, the custodial parent can contact Child Support Enforcement to enforce the child support order.
This will result in the funds for child support being withheld from the noncustodial parent’s paychecks rather than making payments manually and at a convenient time.
The noncustodial parent may suffer conditions that cause financial hardship, making it difficult or impossible to continue making child support payments.
Financial hardship can include job loss, significant change in income, or medical hardship that has led to increased bills. In those cases, the parent can seek to modify the child support order with the help of a New Haven lawyer.
Understanding the intricate legalities of child support can be challenging to do on your own. It is vital that you know your rights and how to enforce them when necessary.
Our team of compassionate family attorneys can protect your rights whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent of a child. Contact Dolan Divorce Lawyers today for legal assistance with child support payments in New Haven.