Aggressive Legal Representation In Mobile For Child Support Issues
Dealing with child support matters is stressful, whether you are the parent who needs support or the parent who is responsible for paying it. As a child support attorney with over two decades of experience serving families in Mobile, I have dedicated my career at Richard E. Mather, Attorney at Law, to helping people get to the other side of these complex family legal matters. My commitment is to provide you with the information and dedication you deserve throughout this process.
How Is Child Support Determined?
Whether child support is a standalone issue or part of a larger discussion during a divorce or separation, Alabama parents can work together to establish a child support order or have the courts decide. In either scenario, parties must weigh several factors when calculating support:
- The income and earning capacity of each parent
- The needs and expenses of the child
- The number of children requiring support
These factors can establish the amount of support a child needs and how to fairly divide the financial responsibilities between parents.
Alabama state laws require that both parents contribute to the financial support of their child. The primary concern in these claims is protecting the child’s well-being, and I can help you pursue a fair and reasonable arrangement that accomplishes that goal.
What Happens If A Parent Doesn’t Pay Child Support?
Despite the importance of these financial contributions, some parents can’t or won’t keep up with them. If a parent fails to pay child support, enforcement actions can be taken, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Interception of tax refunds or lottery winnings
- Criminal charges (In Alabama, moving out of state to avoid paying and owing more than $10,000 in back child support can be a felony)
- License suspension
- Jail time
Taking this responsibility seriously is vital, though circumstances could make existing orders unreasonable or unfair. These cases may warrant child support order modifications or, in rare cases, termination of these payments. For instance, a substantial change in circumstances, like job loss or disability, can dramatically impact a parent’s ability to fulfill their financial obligations.
Contesting paternity or terminating parental rights, which can eliminate the support requirement altogether, are complex legal processes best handled by a skilled professional.
If you need to explore changing or challenging your child support order, it’s essential to contact a Mobile child support lawyer like Richard Mather who can explain your options and protect your rights.
How A Skilled Child Support Attorney Can Help
Whether you are the custodial parent relying on support or the parent responsible for making payments, having an experienced child support attorney in your corner is crucial. You deserve quality legal representation regardless of your situation.
I provide dedicated legal support you can count on, guiding you through every step of the child support process. Remember, child support isn’t about punishing anyone. Instead, it aims to ensure the financial security of the child.
Schedule Your Child Support Consultation Today
Let me be your advocate as we work together to find solutions that prioritize your rights and the well-being of your children in Mobile County. Call me at 251-239-3089 or send me a message online.