Separating is very hard process to go through, even well before you think about any legal aspect. And with that legal aspect, suddenly a separation turns into a divorce. There’s money and assets to split, extended family ties to severe or alter, and a new lifestyle to get used to.
All of that stress is at least doubled by the involving of children. Everyone has their best interest at heart but has different ideas on how to go about it. And because it’s children, no one wants to compromise.
Even after the dust has settled, there might be cause for a lawyer in the situation. There can be disputes around paying child support, about how much to pay, whether it’s fair, and even outright refusing.
This is where a child support lawyer can get involved. They are a subset of family lawyers that can help settle disputes specifically around child support. If you think you might be in need of a child support lawyer, read on to find out what they can do for you.
Handle the numbers
Are you in a position where you think you are due child support but not getting any? Or are only getting it sporadically? Maybe you are getting child support, but you suspect you are due more?
In these instances, it would be a good idea to consult a child support solicitor. They can offer you guidance on what you should be getting and how you can get it.
They can calculate what you are owed based on each parent’s weekly income, how often the children are living with each parent, and other factors like benefits and paying for children from another relationship. You can find an online child maintenance calculator, but a child support lawyer will handle the numbers and a lot more. For one thing, you might not know your partner’s income.
Handle the legal aspect
There could be any number of reasons why you do not want to talk to your partner about child support. They’re being stubborn, they could get hostile, things could escalate, etc. This is where a child support lawyer is particularly useful, and what convinces a lot of parents to get a lawyer involved. You wouldn’t have to do anything except provide up front information.
From there, your lawyer will negotiate rates, deal with your partner, and speak on your behalf in front of a judge. Honesty is how a majority of these cases get won, so if you are simply honest with your lawyer, they will do all the heavy lifting from there.
Do I need a child support lawyer?
There is a lot more that goes into a child support case than you would think. There are a lot of stages to it, there are negotiations to perform and a lot of arguments that could have a negative affect on your children.
A child support lawyer would be able to act as negotiator for you in front of a judge and your partner, offering a superior argument and a buffer between the two of you.
That’s all without mentioning the superior expertise they can offer. You could have been the best in high school debate team, but law requires more than shouting arguments across a courtroom, despite what The Good Wife might show you. A child support lawyer can speak on your behalf with all the experience they have gained in their career and lead you to a desired result.
If you think any of this applies to you, you can see if you have a case by contacting Cordell and Cordell family law solicitors.
