Points To Keep In Mind When Preparing For Child Support And A Divorce

Do you have children and plan to get a divorce? If so, the issue of child support will likely come up at some point. Some divorces are amicable, and others are "nasty." There are varying factors that can impact the amount of child support that will be paid and which parent will be responsible for paying it. Sometimes neither parent has to pay child support. This might be the case when a divorce is final. The following points are factors that you should keep in mind as you proceed with your divorce proceedings.

Temporary Child Support Possible

Sometimes judges will order temporary child support. This may be done when the children stay in the home with one parent and the other parent moves out. It might also be ordered if one parent is more financially stable than the other. Sometimes the "breadwinner" is the parent that opts to move out. This can make it hard for the other parent who keeps the children in their custody to take care of bills and other financial matters.

Future Payments

During the actual divorce proceedings, an amount will be established for the non-custodial parent. Keep in mind that in some states a parent might be required to pay child support even if there is an existing child support order. If you are ordered to pay child support at your divorce hearing and feel that you cannot pay the amount ordered, you and your attorney can petition the court to explain why the amount ordered will be a burden. Failure to comply with the amount that is ordered can cause a number of issues. For example, your license could be revoked in some states.

Special Situations

Perhaps you will be ordered to pay child support at the time of the proceedings, but later on, you lose your job. The judge can enforce a different amount based on your income and circumstances. However, you will need to notify the court. Do not expect the court to automatically know your financial situation.

Calculation of Payments

When child support is ordered, there are a number of factors that courts consider. Income is the main factor. However, many states do not consider certain types of income as SSI disability as income. The number of children that a couple has is also factored in 

A child support lawyer is a good resource to use to determine child support laws in your state. They can also answer specific questions that you may have about child support. Contact a firm, like Crome Law Firm, for more information.

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