Concord Child Support Lawyer

The Law Offices of Aimee E. Cain Child Support Attorney in Concord, NC

Child support disputes are some of the most contentious cases filed in Concord, NC family court. Many situations may lead to legal determinations concerning your children. Regardless of your marital status with your coparent, it’s vital to prepare for a difficult series of legal proceedings. These will determine not only your respective custody and visitation rights but also financial support for your children.

If you are bracing for a child support dispute in Concord, NC, an experienced attorney can help you approach the situation with peace of mind. Your attorney can assist you in making a solid case for your end of the child support agreement, whether you expect to pay it or receive it from your child’s other parent. You can also rely on your legal team to support you no matter how your child support case is resolved, whether it’s a component of a larger divorce case or custody and support determination as an unmarried parent.

Why Should I Hire a Concord Child Support Attorney?

Attempting to find your way through any family law case without legal counsel would be incredibly difficult for several reasons. First, you could overlook important details that lead to delays or other complications. You could also face unexpected obstacles that you do not know how to address on your own. It is also possible that you could agree to child support terms you cannot maintain in the long run. Ultimately, a Concord child support lawyer can ensure a reasonable outcome to your support determination and help you approach the situation with greater confidence.

The Law Offices of Aimee E. Cain have extensive experience representing Concord, NC clients in a wide range of family court cases, including difficult child support determinations. We take time to learn as much as possible about every client we represent to ensure we provide fully individualized legal counsel. There are no one-size-fits-all legal strategies that work for every child support case. You need client-focused legal counsel from a Concord child support attorney who you can trust to navigate your case successfully.

How Is Child Support Decided in North Carolina?

It’s important to understand that while you may have options for settling a divorce or other family law matters outside of litigation, a family court judge must determine child support. The same rule applies to child custody determinations. The family court of Concord, NC and virtually all family court systems in the US have a legal duty to protect the best interests of the children their rulings affect.

If your child support determination is part of a larger divorce case, you and your spouse can negotiate terms for other aspects of your divorce privately through alternative dispute resolution. However, this isn’t an option for child support. A judge will have the final say when it comes to your child support terms, and they will consider various factors to reach their decision:

• The judge will evaluate each parent’s financial situation. The judge will consider monthly income, living expenses, and the cost of living for each parent. If a parent has a child support obligation from a previous relationship, a spousal support obligation, or other financial obligations pertaining to family law, the judge will also take these factors into account.
• The judge determines support based on custody. Parents typically share physical custody of their children when they divorce or end their relationship. The parent with more overnights with the children per year is considered to have majority custody. In almost all cases, the parent with the greater share of physical custody will receive child support from the other parent.
• Judges must also evaluate the expenses each parent incurs related to their children. These expenses can include health insurance premiums for maintaining healthcare coverage for the children. It may also include extraordinary costs for treatment of the children’s special needs or medical conditions.

Once determined, a child support order will typically last until the children affected by the order turn 18 or are legally emancipated. It’s also possible for a child support order to change over time under certain conditions.

Is it Possible to Have My Child Support Terms Modified?

The family court systems of the US acknowledge that life can be unpredictable. They understand that unforeseen events can potentially prevent a parent from fully adhering to a child support order despite their honest efforts to do so. For example, if you are required to pay child support and suffer a catastrophic injury that results in a permanent disability, you could be unable to work. While you may secure some compensation for your injury, the court must take your new circumstances into account. You can file a petition for modification to have your child support terms adjusted to reflect your new circumstances.

What Happens If a Parent Breaks Their Support Obligation?

Parents need to adhere to the terms of their child support orders as closely as possible. In the event a parent refuses to pay child support or repeatedly fails to make payments on time and/or in full, they risk facing contempt of court. Contempt proceedings aim to penalize intentional violations of lawful court orders. If you are found in contempt of court due to failure to abide by the terms of your support order, you could face severe penalties, including fines, asset seizure, wage garnishment, and even incarceration.

Child support cases are often tedious and frustrating, and sometimes the court’s determination can seem unfair or biased. The best way for any parent to approach a child support dispute is with legal counsel they can trust. The right Concord child support lawyer can not only help you reach more agreeable support terms with your coparent but also help you approach the entire situation with confidence and peace of mind. If you are ready to discuss your case with an experienced and compassionate Concord child support attorney, contact the Law Offices of Aimee E. Cain today to schedule your consultation.

Protecting Both Your Child And Your Rights As A Parent

Child custody disputes are often some of the most contentious aspects of a divorce, and this conflict can do long-term damage to your relationship with your child and your ability to parent your child. When child support is involved, conflict is even more common. However, with skilled legal guidance, you can work toward an agreement that puts your child and their needs first.

The Law Offices of Aimee E. Cain offers you compassionate and effective legal representation when you are working hard to protect your children and your relationship with them. Not only does our lead attorney have decades of experience in family law, but she is also a mediator certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission. When you need to create a solution that keeps your child’s best interest in mind, we can help you work toward a strong child support arrangement.

Meeting Your Child’s Needs With Child Support

Many divorcing couples with children have important questions about child support, and your attorney can help you create a plan that is in your child’s best interest. We will work with you to ensure that your child’s needs are fully considered, including medical care, schooling, extracurricular activities and other care – and to reach a fair agreement. Whether negotiating a cooperative arrangement or fighting for your rights when negotiation is ineffective, we will help ensure that your child has the financial support they need.

If your circumstances change or if you don’t agree with the assessment made to calculate child support, it is possible to modify or change these orders. A change in income, a change in your child’s needs or a relocation can all be the reason to modify a child support order, and we can assist you in creating a new arrangement that reflects your current situation.

FAQs About Concord, NC Child Support Law

When you are working to create a child support arrangement, you are certain to have questions. These agreements can dramatically change your finances, your schedule and even your relationship with your children. Working with an experienced attorney is a good way to get the answers, both to frequently asked questions and questions about the specifics of your family.

At The Law Offices of Aimee E. Cain, we help clients of all backgrounds in the Concord area. Our lead family law attorney is a certified mediator and can help you reach an agreement without difficult litigation whenever possible. We are dedicated to providing you with the answers you need to make informed decisions that protect your rights and support your child’s needs.

Do I Have To Go To Court?

No. While going to court may be necessary if you are unable to reach an agreement, you may be able to avoid court by trying to reach an agreement first. Even if you and the other parent don’t always get along, you probably know what is best for your kids and your lives. Talking it out allows you to prioritize your needs and address your concerns, and because of this, you are always encouraged to try mediation first.

How Is Child Support Calculated In North Carolina?

Child support is calculated based on a number of factors in North Carolina. These include:

• You and the other parent’s income
• Your custody arrangement
• Your child’s needs for health care, schooling and other activities

While the actual amount is based on a formula, it can be important to speak to an attorney to get a full picture of how your family’s situation factors into this calculation.

It is also possible to achieve a child support arrangement through mediation. If you and your child’s other parent are able to reach an agreement, this can help preserve your ability to share parenting duties and protect your relationship with your child.

If I Share Custody, Will I Pay Or Receive Child Support?

In situations where custody is shared, you might still consider child support to ensure that all of your child’s needs are met. The amount of child support can vary depending on how the custody is shared, which of your child’s expenses are paid by each parent and other specific details about your family and your situation.

What If I Want To Modify An Existing Agreement?

Especially if your life situation has changed – whether through relocation, a change in income or a change in your child’s specific needs – modification is an option that allows you to create a child support arrangement that reflects your family. If you want to modify your agreement, it is important to have the paperwork from your previous court case ready so that your attorney can fully understand your current situation. You may also need other financial documents for added context.

Get Answers To Your Questions – Talk To Us Today

If you have questions about how your child support agreement can protect your parental rights while providing for your child’s needs, we can answer them. Call The Law Offices of Aimee E. Cain at (704) 960-4656 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.