Raising a child without the proper financial support from a co-parent is difficult. If you are currently involved in a dispute concerning child support, reach out to a Stamford family law attorney.
Whether you are seeking to draft an agreement outside of court or litigate the dispute, hiring legal counsel is imperative to reaching a just outcome. A Stamford child support lawyer can help you protect your parental rights and the rights of your child.
Parents must follow the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines to calculate support payments. This document details how income, custody, and other factors impact the amount and duration of financial support.
Due to the complicated nature of child support laws, parents should contact an attorney before making any agreement. Legal counsel can help two parties navigate the process and cement their parental rights.
The basic child support obligation is a base figure that courts use to calculate the required payments. This figure is determined by adding both parents’ weekly incomes and comparing the total amount to the applicable number of children in the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations.
Parents can work with a lawyer to calculate their percentage share of the child support amount. Though the worksheet will give you a support amount for each party, only the non-custodial parent pays child support.
The organization responsible for enforcing child support orders is the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (BCSE). If necessary, this department can also help a mother locate the father of her children to establish paternity.
Once the court finalizes the initial child support order, it is subject to modification only if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Situations that may warrant a modification to the court order include:
In Connecticut, the support obligation continues until a child finishes high school, turns 18, or until a full-time high school student turns 19, whichever comes first. The court can also order a parent to contribute to a child who is attending a post-secondary school full-time. Parents who need help enforcing a child support order can retain an experienced attorney to handle the legal process.
If you are seeking to establish a child support order or attempting to modify your current orders, consult with an attorney as soon as possible. A Stamford child support lawyer can help you and your co-parent reach an agreement regarding these payments to ensure your child does not suffer from a lack of financial support.
Make sure your support order is fair, comprehensive, and meets the needs of your children by calling an attorney today. Contact our office to set up a consultation with a dedicated legal professional and begin working on your case.