THE LAW OFFICE OF JEFFREY R. SPORT
Child Support
A divorce is usually traumatizing for the children involved, no matter their ages. Ensure that your child, or children, adjust to the new circumstances as well as possible. One way you can do this is by securing an adequate amount of child support for the wellbeing and future of your child.
After a divorce, child support is the proper amount of money to be paid, deemed necessary by the court. The amount is unique to each divorce settlement. Many circumstances, including the parents’ gross income, affect the financial amount of the “basic child support obligation”. Child support is intended to supplement the extra income lost by divorce and is intended to help raise a child into adulthood.
In the state of Alabama, child support is usually calculated by utilizing the guidelines established in Rule 32 of the Rules of Judicial Administration. The process involves calculating the gross income amount of each parent, as well as calculating the costs of raising the number of children involved. If you or your spouse disagree with the amount allotted, each of you is able to combat it with either a fair written agreement establishing a different amount or by a determination of the court.
Similar to any other agreement, child support is liable to change or adapt to new information. For example, if the circumstances require, such as extenuating circumstances or extra medical costs, the court can order additional amounts to be paid as well. Both divorce and child support are truly a maze and deserve to be treated as such by hiring an experienced attorney.
When negotiating child support, it is also essential to consider the possibility of post-minority support. The most common example is whether or not the non-custodial spouse (the one with visitation, not primary custody) should contribute to the minor’s college education. If such an agreement is made, it should be as specific as possible, including how many years and acceptable grades. An attorney can help provide insight into what should be a fair negotiation for both parties.
Hiring an attorney is not only for an ongoing divorce or current custody circumstances. If circumstances change, the child support agreement can be modified accordingly. Examples include a parent losing a job, or a fluctuating income. Compared to navigating such unchartered waters alone, hiring legal counsel can assist you in negotiating a new agreement.
No matter the circumstances of the divorce, it is highly recommended that legal counsel is sought by both parties. An experienced lawyer will negotiate the correct amount of child support in the interests of both you and your child or children. Self-representation is usually discouraged in law because the individual is expected to understand the law and legal procedures on the same level as an attorney. The law office of Jeffrey R. Sport specializes in family law, including child support. Our approach to family law is cohesive and we are dedicated to protecting the interests, safety and welfare of any minor affected by a family divorce.