Lafayette Child Support Attorney
Child support payments are necessary when parents separate or divorce because parents likely have different incomes and are providing for different levels of a child’s needs. Child support payments are crucial to maintain a child’s financial care and ensure both parents can provide the same standard of living. Determining fair child support is much easier with the support of a compassionate and straightforward Lafayette child support lawyer.
Work for the Ideal Outcome to Your Child Support Case
Child support cases are difficult for parents. They can be part of a divorce, paternity, or separation case, and all of these situations can be very emotional. Even when both parents want to financially provide for their child, it is still important that the amount is fair and doesn’t put the paying parent in financial hardship. Whether you are a parent who is going to pay or receive child support, The Thompson Law Office, LLC can help you protect your rights.
With combined decades of family law experience, our firm can support you in this case, listening to your family’s unique situation and tailoring our legal support to your needs. You don’t have to manage this case by yourself. Our empathetic attorneys can fight diligently for you and your children’s interests.
We can help you navigate any family law cases in local courts. Child support cases will likely be handled by the 15th Judicial District Court (JDC). The 15th JDC Lafayette Parish Courthouse can be found at 800 S. Buchanan Street.
The Basics of Lafayette Child Support
The purpose of child support is to ensure both parents maintain their legal obligation to financially support their children, even when they don’t live together.
Child support in Lafayette is calculated based mostly on the combined total gross income of parents and the percentage of that gross income each parent provides. Child support obligations also depend on:
- How many children need financial support
- Whether parents have sole or joint custody
- The distribution of parenting time in a joint physical custody arrangement
- The child’s basic financial needs
- The child’s specific or extraordinary financial needs
The state does have a formula to determine a basic child support arrangement, but there are many factors that can change what the court deems fair support. A support attorney can help you understand these factors and Lafayette’s child support laws.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
When a court order for child support is entered, it must be followed. In 2017, parents with custody and support arrangements through the court should have received a total of $30 billion in support. Unfortunately, many of these child support obligations were not paid.
When child support isn’t paid, your child is not receiving the financial care they deserve. If your co-parent should be paying support but isn’t, an experienced attorney can help with enforcement or take the issue to court if necessary.
Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Lafayette
Working with a child support attorney can make a significant difference in your child support case. Whether you are reaching an agreement with your co-parent or taking the case to court, an attorney helps you advocate for your interests and protect your children’s needs. Contact The Thompson Law Office, LLC today to hire a child support lawyer.
