North Alabama Attorneys Advise on All Types of Child Support Issues

Aggressive Huntsville firm represents paying and recipient parents

When parents divorce or end a non-marital relationship, each still has a legal obligation to meet the financial needs of their minor children. Though this might seem obvious, conflicts still occur over child support payments, and legal counsel from a proven family law attorney could be necessary to ensure that proper arrangements are in place. Amy A. Slayden Family Law P.C. in Huntsville, Alabama understands how vital it can be to ensure that appropriate child support terms are established and honored. We advise clients on the factors used to set rates and represent both paying and recipient parents in modification and enforcement actions.

Thorough family lawyers outline the factors used to set support rates

Child support rates are largely based on a formula that incorporates several factors, so it’s essential that both sides report information accurately relating to their:

• Income — Each parent’s income is taken into account when setting a child support rate. This not only includes wages but also other types of income, such as disability payments and unemployment benefits. Our firm challenges parents who underreport what they’re earning or who choose not to work to avoid their responsibilities.
• Health insurance — Group health insurance coverage for children can be expensive, so the formula reflects premiums paid by either parent. If the child has a medical condition, special arrangements might be made as well.
• Childcare costs — If a child is in day care, payments by custodial and noncustodial parents are used in the calculation. When a question exists regarding these circumstances, we gather the necessary information and can also advise on plans to fund school tuition and enrichment activities.
• Children from other relationships — Child support associated with sons and daughters from previous relationships is taken into account to make sure that all of the young people are treated fairly.

During a divorce, there are numerous issues to address, but nothing is more important than the well-being of the couple’s children. We’ll review the situation thoroughly and work tirelessly to bring about an appropriate outcome.

Experienced litigators handle enforcement actions when payments are missed

Strict rules govern child support matters, and even one missed, late or incomplete payment can trigger serious consequences. Whether your co-parent failed on one occasion or has chronic problems obeying the order, a family law attorney can advise you of the legal methods available to compel payment, including income withholding, credit bureau reporting, and driver license and professional license suspension. If you are being unfairly accused of shirking your obligation, we’ll aggressively counter those charges.

Knowledgeable legal counselors petition for appropriate modifications

On their own, parents cannot alter child support obligations no matter how compelling the justification might seem. Even if your former partner is violating terms of a custody or visitation order, you cannot delay, reduce or withhold child support to compel compliance. Modification is possible, however, after three years or if a significant change occurs. Adjustments might be granted based on a job loss, substantial income increase, health condition or change in childcare needs. We draft petitions to modify child support orders and also oppose requests for adjustments that aren’t supported by the facts.

Contact an assertive Alabama lawyer for assistance with a child support issue

In Huntsville, Amy A. Slayden Family Law P.C. advocates for Alabama parents in proceedings to set child support rates as well as modification and enforcement actions. Please call 256-529-4437 or contact us online to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.