When you and your spouse decide to end your marriage, you must ensure that your children will still be financially cared for. Unfortunately, this isn’t always easy, as child support disputes are some of the most contentious issues to resolve with an ex-partner. The emotional nature of these types of family law cases necessitates the guidance and expertise of a child support attorney. So, if you are in the midst of a divorce, turn to Collins Family & Elder Law Group. Our child support lawyers proudly serve North Carolina and South Carolina.
Peaceful and Cost-Effective Child Support Solutions
The states of North Carolina and South Carolina require both parents to provide their children with legal aid in the form of child support to the fullest extent of their abilities until their kids are 18 years old and/or have graduated from high school. The amount each parent contributes to child support is contingent on the needs of the child and the parent’s ability to pay. Child support is important in any situation that involves custody of a minor child, but addressing the issue can result in bitter disputes over finances and obligations.
If you need a child support attorney in North Carolina or South Carolina, our legal team can keep the peace and help you and your co-parent successfully navigate a child support dispute. We have over 150 years of combined experience and spent years helping families throughout North Carolina and South Carolina and can offer the same affordable legal guidance to your family. Our aim is to provide legal service that improves your family’s situation and makes this difficult transition a little smoother and easier to bear.
What You Need to Know About Child Support in North Carolina and South Carolina
How Are Child Support Obligations Created?
The primary goal of a child support obligation is to make sure that a child’s needs are met until they have reached the age of legal emancipation. A child support obligation can generally be created in one of two ways: 1. By agreement of the parties or 2. By the decision of the court. Parents are always given the opportunity to resolve the issue of child support by agreement, but if an agreement isn’t reached, the court will determine the amount of support each parent will pay.
How Does the Court Calculate Child Support?
Divorces are often just as difficult for children as they are for parents. NC and SC child support laws make things a little easier for your child. These laws were put into effect to keep your son or daughter’s standard of living the same as it was before you and your partner separated. In North Carolina, both parents are expected to share the financial responsibility for their children, but they are not legally required to provide the same amount of support. North Carolina Child Support Guidelines base support amounts on income and the child’s needs. South Carolina guidelines attempt to keep parent contributions the same as they were before the separation to ensure financial stability for your children.
Child support in North Carolina and South Carolina is calculated based on a number of factors, including:
- The income of both parents
- The number of children involved
- Any preexisting child support agreements
- Any alimony owed to a former partner
- Obligations of support to other dependents
- Dental, medical, educational, and other childcare expenses
- Frequency of overnight visits
You can learn more about how the court systems make these determinations by visiting the North Carolina Court System website or the South Carolina Judicial Department website.
How Are North Carolina and South Carolina Child Support Laws Enforced?
Once a child support order is in effect, a paying parent is obligated, by law, to pay the court-mandated amount of child support. If a parent fails to pay the full amount, they could be in contempt of court and face severe penalties. The courts would be able to take legal action in the form of a wage garnishment or a bench warrant for the arrest of a delinquent parent.
Can Child Support Be Modified in North or South Carolina?
If you can no longer afford to pay your child support obligation in full due to an unexpected change in your financial situation, you should speak with one of our child support lawyers in NC or SC. The courts will look for proof of a substantial change in financial circumstances before modifying a child support order. Additionally, if you, as the custodial parent, have a change of circumstance and require an increase in child support or you suspect that your ex-partner is concealing income, our legal team can help you make modifications to your original agreement and get an accurate summary of your co-parent’s income. Take the necessary steps to protect your family’s future today.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a child support lawyer depends on the services you need them to perform and the extent to which you utilize them. For example, if you hire a child support attorney for hourly services rather than for one specific service, you’ll most likely end up paying more. If you only need the lawyer to complete a simple task, such as a modification to your child support agreement, consider hiring them for a flat rate. This is usually the most cost-effective way to go. Generally speaking, legal fees for uncontested cases are always lower than cases that end up in a court battle.
A Skilled Child Support Attorney Can Help You
Not only do our North Carolina and South Carolina child support lawyers take your support orders seriously, but we also take them personally. Child support orders essentially dictate the way you will continue to raise and parent your children. Your child support agreement will become a huge part of your life, so our goal is to ensure that the child support payment is fair and benefits your child in the long run.
Client Testimonial
She cares about her clients.
Ms. Collins is a superb attorney that I would highly recommend. She cares about her clients, is very knowledgeable, has a professional, kind demeanor, and always gives 110%.
Stephanie E.
Proudly Serving Locations in North and South Carolina
Why Choose Our Child Support Attorneys?
- We offer expertise — Board Certified Family Law Specialist at the firm.
- We have proudly served North Carolina for over 20 years.
- We pursue peaceful solutions and have two licensed mediators on our team.
- We are zealous advocates if litigating the case in the courtroom is required.
- We are known for creative, client-centered strategies.
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