Whether you’re going through a divorce, dealing with guardianship issues, or fighting over child support or custody matters, a family law attorney can help. Family law attorneys are law professionals that specialize in all issues related to familial relationships, including your children. This includes all matters about child support and parental custody rights. 

 

What is Child Support and How Does It Work? 

Contrary to what many people think, child support is intended as support for the child and not the parent. Child support is monetary aid from one parent to another in cases where the parents are separated, and children are involved. The state of Washington takes child support very seriously, and the amount of money owed is based on state guidelines. 

Having a skilled family law attorney can maximize the amount of money you and your children are owed by the person from which you’re separated. After all, nothing is more important than ensuring your children are cared for, and child support plays a significant role. 

Reasons to Get a Family Law Attorney for My Child Support Case? 

Dealing with child support matters is emotional and challenging, and many obstacles exist. The best way to navigate and avoid those obstacles is by hiring a family law attorney specializing in child support issues. Here are some of the things they can help you with. 

Preparing for Your Hearing 

A family law attorney is critical if your child support case goes to court where litigation is necessary. Countless parents have lost custody of their children or haven’t gotten the child support they deserve because they didn’t have a lawyer. A family law attorney will help you prepare your court case, present it, and fight for you when it comes. 

Paperwork and Documents 

Anytime you’re faced with a legal matter, plenty of documentation and paperwork will be involved. A family law lawyer will ensure that all of your T’s are crossed, your I’s are dotted, and that you go through the proper channels. 

Ensuring You Get Enough Child Support 

Child support payments are usually determined by a child support calculator that a judge uses to determine the correct amount of child support. The judge will enter the incomes of both parents into the calculator, which will determine the answer. 

However, while the child support calculator is usually right, it isn’t foolproof. In cases where you don’t think you’re getting enough child support, your family law lawyer will argue on your behalf that the amount should be adjusted. 

Can a Family Law Attorney Help Decrease My Child Support Payments? 

Whether you were misrepresented in court during your initial child support hearing or not represented at all, there’s a good chance you got a bad deal and are now paying more than you think is fair for your child support. However, adjusting your child support payments is very difficult without having a family law lawyer by your side. 

For starters, you’ll have to file a petition with the court asking for a payment reduction. You’ll then have to provide overwhelming evidence supporting your premise that you can’t afford your current payments. You’ll also have to show proof that your financial situation has changed. In most cases, these changes can’t be because of anything you’ve done voluntarily but must instead be because you got fired or have a medical situation. 

Either way, a family law attorney can help you win your case. 

Who to Call for Child Support Matters in the Tri-City Area

If you’re dealing with any type of situation related to child support, you should consider enlisting the help of the family law attorneys at Roach & Bishop. We can help you whether you’re trying to decrease your child support payments or if you think your former partner isn’t paying enough. No matter the child support issue, contact us today to find out how we can help!