Slidell Child Support Attorneys
Child support lawyers in Slidell helping those paying or receiving child support
Child support is a court-ordered payment that helps to ensure that both parents financially support their children after a divorce or separation. Child support payments can cover a variety of expenses, including housing, food, clothing, education, and medical care. If you are involved in a child support case, it is important to have an experienced Slidell child support attorney on your side. The attorneys at the Law Office of James A. Graham can help you understand your rights and options, navigate the legal process, and advocate for your child's best interests. Contact us today for a consultation.
What does child support pay for?
In Slidell, child support covers the basic needs and expenses of a child, including:
- Housing. This includes the cost of rent, mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities.
- Food. This includes the cost of groceries, meals out, and snacks.
- Clothing. This includes the cost of new clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- Education. This includes the cost of tuition, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.
- Medical care. This includes the cost of doctor's visits, dental care, and prescription drugs.
- Transportation. This includes the cost of car payments, gas, and insurance.
- Other expenses. This can include the cost of childcare, summer camps, and extracurricular activities.
How is Slidell child support determined by the court?
In the event parents are unable to come to agreement on child support issues, it will be determined by the court based on the Louisiana Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines are used to calculate the amount of child support that is typically ordered by a court. The court will consider a variety of factors when determining the amount of child support, including:
- The income of both parents. The court will consider the income of both parents when determining the amount of child support. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, tips, bonuses, and other forms of income.
- The needs of the child. The court will consider the child's age, health, and other needs when determining the amount of child support. This may include the cost of daycare, medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
- The standard of living of the parents. The court will consider the standard of living that the child was accustomed to before the parents separated or divorced. This may include factors such as the size of the child's home, the type of neighborhood they lived in, and the types of activities in which they participated.
- The cost of living in the area. The court will consider the cost of living in the area where the child lives when determining the amount of child support. This may include factors such as the cost of housing, food, transportation, and childcare.
In some cases, the court may deviate from the guidelines if it determines that the guidelines are not in the best interests of the child. This may be the case if the child has special needs or if one of the parents has a high earning capacity.
Can I modify my Slidell child support order?
Yes, you can modify your Slidell child support order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the order was entered. This could include a change in the income of either parent, a change in the needs of the child, or a change in the custody arrangement.
Here are some of the reasons why you might want to modify your Slidell child support order:
- Your income has changed. If your income has increased or decreased, you may need to modify your child support order to reflect the change.
- Your child's needs have changed. If your child's needs have changed, such as if they have started school or developed a medical condition, you may need to modify your child support order to reflect the change.
- The custody arrangement has changed. If the child custody arrangement has changed, you may need to modify your child support order to reflect the change.
To modify a child support order, you will need to file a motion with the court. The motion should state the reason for the modification and the amount of child support that you believe is appropriate. You will also need to provide evidence to support your motion.
The court will consider the following factors when determining whether to modify a child support order:
- The financial needs of the child
- The income and assets of both parents
- The standard of living of the child before the parents separated or divorced
- The cost of living in the area
- The age and health of the child
- Any other relevant factors
If the court grants your motion, the new child support order will be effective immediately. The non-custodial parent will be obligated to pay the new amount of child support until the order is modified again or the child reaches the age of majority.
What if my ex stops paying child support?
If your ex stops paying child support, there are a number of steps you can take to enforce the order.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has a child support enforcement agency that can help you enforce your child support order. DCFS can take a number of actions to collect child support from the non-custodial parent, including:
- Wage garnishment. This is a legal process that allows DCFS to take a portion of the non-custodial parent's wages and send it directly to you.
- Tax refund interception. This is a process that allows DCFS to intercept the non-custodial parent's federal and state tax refunds and apply them to your child support debt.
- Lien. This is a legal claim that DCFS can place on the non-custodial parent's property, such as their home or car. The lien will prevent the non-custodial parent from selling the property until they pay their child support debt.
- Contempt of court. If the non-custodial parent willfully fails to pay child support, they may be held in contempt of court. This can result in fines or even jail time.
You can also file a motion with the court to enforce your child support order. The court can order the non-custodial parent to pay the past due child support, as well as any attorney's fees or court costs you have incurred.
If you are having trouble enforcing your child support order on your own, you may want to hire a lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights.
Here are some additional tips for enforcing your child support order:
- Keep track of your child support payments. Make sure you have a record of all payments that you have received from the non-custodial parent. This will be helpful if you need to take legal action to enforce the order.
- Report missed payments to DCFS. If the non-custodial parent misses a payment, report it to DCFS as soon as possible. DCFS can then take action to collect the missed payment.
- Be proactive. Don't wait until the non-custodial parent is months behind in payments before taking action. The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to collect the child support you are owed.
Enforcing a child support order can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. However, it is important to take action to ensure that your child receives the financial support they deserve. By following these tips and seeking legal assistance, you can increase your chances of collecting the child support you are owed.
Do you have a Slidell child support attorney near me?
The Law Office of James A. Graham is located in Slidell, at 1929 2nd St #A, and serves all of South Louisiana. We’re right off Front Street and minutes from the city court.
Our Slidell child support attorneys are on your side
Is your child not getting the financial support they deserve? Are you struggling to enforce a child support order? If so, you need an experienced child support attorney on your side. At the Law Office of James A. Graham, our team of Slidell child support attorneys has a proven track record of success in helping parents secure the financial support they need for their children. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure your child receives the support they deserve. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We also serve New Orleans and all of South Louisiana.