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Child support is a parent's legal duty to provide financial support for their child's living and medical expenses. Child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to aid in meeting the child's financial, emotional, educational, and medical needs. Child support can be a particularly contentious issue for parents going through a divorce. A qualified divorce lawyer can be instrumental in helping you deal with this sensitive issue.
The amount of child support paid by one parent is typically determined by considering income . Child support is typically determined based on the parent's financial means to support their children. Child support laws apply to all parents living apart from their children, within or outside the state where the child resides. It is important to note that child support will always be awarded in the best interests of the children involved.
With approximately 50 percent of all children living in single parent homes, child support has become an important national issue. Though state laws seek to enforce child support payment, many children receive little if any support from the absent parent. Failure to provide child support compromises all aspects of a child's well being and is punishable by state law.
Though enforcement of child support laws varies from state to state, common punishments for those not adhering to child support regulations may include, license suspension, requiring payment, withheld tax refunds, prevention from obtaining a passport and even jail time. Child enforcement agencies seek to ensure that laws are enforced and violations are punished.
Child support, particularly during a divorce can be a sensitive matter that should be handled with discretion and knowledgeable legal advice. Because laws regarding child support vary, an experienced divorce attorney can be vital in familiarizing you with your state's laws and handling your child support case. A divorce attorney can also help you handle other difficult family legal matters such as custody and visitation rights.
If you are going through the stressful process of divorce or family dissolution, let our qualified attorneys help ease your tension. We can evaluate your case FREE of charge and help you determine the best legal path to ensure you child's best interests. Contact us today to speak to a qualified legal professional regarding your case. We are here to help you with your legal matters so you can focus on your family in this sensitive time of adjustment.
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Issues Regarding Child Custody
Child custody rights may be shared by both parents or, primary child custody rights may be awarded to one parent or legal guardian. Since the 1970s the family court will award child custody rights contingent with the best interests of the child.
Child custody for fathers following a divorce is one of the most important aspects of a dissolving marriage. Throughout history the legal presumptions about child custody for fathers has changed significantly. Before the twentieth century children were regarded as the property of their father. Under common law, child custody for fathers was commonly awarded, as children were considered a father's rightful property. A major shift occurred after this period in history, as family courts came to favor mothers in child custody cases. It was presumed that under normal circumstances, children did better when placed in the sole custody of their mothers.