Child Support Attorney in Honolulu
How is child support decided?
Child support is the monetary contribution of the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent for the proper care of the child. This arrangement can also be made in situations of joint custody. Child support is decided by the child support guidelines which the court and all parties are mandated to follow. Sometimes there are deviations or exceptions allowed from the child support guidelines but these are rare. If your case is one that calls for such a deviation, you need a skilled Honolulu divorce attorney on your side to argue the case before the judge and pursue a court order in your favor.
When there is more than one child in need of support, the payments will be a greater portion of the parent's income. The most important factor, however, is the best interest of the child. If the child's circumstances change, such as schooling and medical needs, the payment can be adjusted accordingly. Factors that influence the matter of child support include:
- Each parent's current income and earning potential
- Each parent's financial obligations
- The child's finacial needs for basic necessities, education and medical care
- Whether the child might be eligible for any type of public assistance benefits
- Whether either parent already owes an obligation of support for any other children or dependents
Many of my clients need help on the matter of child support during a divorce, but this family law issue is not limited to divorcing parents. It is also possible to claim child support payments from the father of your child after successfully bringing a paternity action against the father to establish his legal relationship with your child.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
Generally, both parties are naturally encouraged to make child support payments if so ordered so that their child will not be in financial need. In some situations, however, the payments are not being made. In this circumstance, the custodial party can take the non-custodial parent to court. Hire me as your Honolulu family lawyer so that I can represent you in court and fight to hold the other parent accountable for failure to provide the support that your child needs. Child support payments are legally enforceable court orders, failure to meet the obligation to pay is punishable by jail time or other sanctions to include monetary fines and wage garnishment. Contact my firm today to learn about how I can help.
