Child support cases in Monroe, Louisiana can be emotional for everyone involved. You may be entitled to receive child support payments from your child’s other parent – even if you share joint custody. You need an experienced Monroe child support lawyer on your side who knows how to navigate these complex issues.
Families in Monroe have come to trust Knight Law Firm for all their family law needs, including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, child support, and spousal support. We understand that your child’s well-being often depends on getting the appropriate child support in place. Contact us today or call (318) 323-2213 to speak with a Monroe child support attorney who is ready to help.
How Knight Law Firm Will Help With Child Support Arrangements
At Knight Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience helping clients navigate the emotional and complex waters of family law. Even though you may be legally owed child support, getting everything in place to make that happen is not always easy.
Some of the ways we can help you with your child support issue include:
- Calculating the proper amount of child support that you may be owed
- Getting child support orders modified when your situation changes
- Locating the non-custodial parent to hold them responsible for paying their fair share
- Negotiating with the other parent to reach an agreement on child support outside of court
- Representing you in court and helping to enforce existing child support orders
If you need help getting a child support order in place or getting the child support you are owed in Monroe, LA, contact Knight Law Firm today. Let us put our experienced Monroe family lawyers to work for you.
Overview of Louisiana Child Support
Louisiana law has specific guidelines regarding how much child support will be owed. Typically, the custodial parent will receive child support payments from the non-custodial parent. Payments will continue until the child turns 18 in most cases, though there are exceptions to this rule.
Getting child support payments changed is possible, although not always easy. You will need to show a substantial change in your circumstances for the judge to modify the amount of your child support payments. An experienced Monroe child support lawyer can guide you through the entire process. Contact Knight Law Firm to let us get started helping you.
How Much Child Support Will I Receive?
Louisiana law specifies the formula for calculating child support. Typically, the non-custodial parent will owe child support to the custodial parent.
Some factors considered in the calculation include:
- The income of both parents
- Child care costs
- Health insurance costs
- Medical expenses
- Child’s income, if any
- Amount of time the child spends with the non-custodial parent
- Educational expenses for special needs
- Best interest of the child
The calculations for child support in Louisiana can get somewhat complex, although the state offers some child support calculators to help you estimate potential child support payments.
Although the amount calculated by the guidelines is typically used, the judge is allowed to make adjustments to that amount when necessary. If both parents agree to an amount outside the guidelines, the judge will typically approve the modified amount as long as it is in the best interest of the child.
Can I Get Child Support Payments Changed?
It is possible to get child support payments changed if there has been a substantial change in your circumstances. For instance, a job loss may create a substantial change in income for one parent. The parent seeking to change the child support payments will need to petition the court for the change.
The law in Louisiana spells out specific requirements for the modification of child support. It states that you may be eligible to modify your support obligation if there is a substantial change in your circumstances. Typically, you need to demonstrate a 25% difference between what you currently pay and what the calculation determines you need to pay with the new situation.
For example, consider if you lose your job and are currently required to pay $400 per month. If you demonstrate that your lack of income when accounted for by the child support calculator would result in you being responsible for $250 per month, then you may be eligible for a modification.
If the child support has not been changed within the last three years, the judge can decide to make the change if there is any difference in the calculation.
If you need help modifying an existing child support order, contact Knight Law Firm today. We can help you present your situation in court so that the appropriate amount of child support is ordered.
When Does Child Support End in Louisiana?
Typically, child support payments in Louisiana end when the child turns 18. However, there are a few exceptions when the payments may continue beyond the child’s 18th birthday.
Those exceptions include:
- Disability – Payments may continue indefinitely
- Developmental disability – Payments may continue until the child reaches age 22, as long as they are enrolled full-time in a secondary school
- High school student – If the child is still in high school when they turn 18, payments may continue until they graduate or turn 19
Additionally, there are some situations in which child support payments may end before the child’s 18th birthday.
Child support payments may end early if:
- The child gets married
- The child becomes emancipated
If you are unsure whether child support payments are still due, you should seek the help of an experienced Monroe child support lawyer. Knight Law Firm has the experience you need and is ready to help you today.
Contact a Monroe Child Support Lawyer For Help Today
Child support situations in Monroe, Louisiana can be stressful and very emotional. We understand the delicacy and urgency of these matters, and we are ready to help you every step of the way. If you need help with child support, contact Knight Law Firm today to speak with a Monroe child support lawyer.
