If you are like most parents, there is nothing more important than your child’s well-being. Your job is to ensure they have everything necessary to be happy and healthy. If you live apart from your child’s other parent, you’ll both need to contribute financially to make that happen.
Understanding child support regulations can seem overwhelming, especially if you are going through an emotional event like a divorce, separation, or custody dispute. Our Glastonbury child support lawyers can help you understand the law and your rights.
At Rich Rochlin Family Law, our team has over 37 years of combined experience, assisting Connecticut families in solving difficult problems. Contact us today to find out how our Glastonbury child custody lawyers can help.
Do You Need a Child Support Lawyer?
It’s always a good idea to speak with a family law attorney about child support issues. An experienced lawyer will understand the law and how child support issues are handled in Connecticut and your local area.
The court will always err on the side of whatever it believes is best for your child. Your lawyer is your advocate, not just ensuring that you are treated fairly throughout the process and your voice is heard, but also bringing to light serious issues that can impact your child.
Some of the issues our Glastonbury family lawyers may be able to help you with include the following:
Calculating Child Support Payments
To determine child support, Connecticut uses a formula based on the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines. Your attorney can calculate support and help determine other expenses involved in child care, health insurance, medical costs, and education.
Filing or Responding to Child Support Petitions
We can file court documents, ensure you adhere to procedures, and prevent you from missing important deadlines that could impact your rights. As outlined per the Pathways Process, we will bring your case before the appropriate Family Division of the Connecticut Superior Court.
Requesting a Modification to an Existing Child Support Order
In some instances, it may be necessary to alter existing support orders. This can be due to a change in employment, income, or custody. We can help file motions, assemble evidence, and represent you throughout the process.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
If your former partner isn’t paying their court-ordered support, we can work with the Connecticut Office of Child Support Services to begin enforcement action. We may be able to recover past-due support payments through methods such as wage garnishment.
Defending Against Unjust Enforcement Actions
If you are unable to pay your support for a legitimate reason, we can argue for leniency on your behalf and potentially help you avoid penalties and punishment. Our Glastonbury child support attorneys can negotiate for a payment plan or modifications to your support agreement.
Offering Peace of Mind
Any decision involving your children can be especially stressful during a divorce. Perhaps the most important benefit of working with our family law attorneys is the peace of mind of knowing your case is in good hands.
Call today for a consultation with a child support lawyer serving Glastonbury (860) 357-9158
Child Support Guidelines in Connecticut
In Connecticut, child support payments factor in both parents’ gross income, the number of children, and child-related expenses like healthcare and childcare.
Your attorney can help:
- Calculate payments
- Identify qualifying income
- Identify and include special expenses
- Determine if a deviation from the standard calculation is appropriate
While the guidelines are meant to ensure fairness, they also allow for deviations in special situations, such as when a child has unique care needs or if one parent is underemployed.
Glastonbury Child Support Lawyer Near Me (860) 357-9158
Modifications to a Child Support Agreement
According to Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-86, an existing child support agreement may be altered if there is a substantial change in circumstances for one party. Examples of a substantial change may include:
- Loss of employment
- A significant decrease in one parent’s income
- A considerable increase in one parent’s income
- Changes in custody
- A change in the child’s health, education, or other needs
Your child support lawyer in Glastonbury can help you determine if your situation qualifies for a modification to child support under Connecticut law. We can file appropriate motions with the Family Division of the Connecticut Superior Court and represent you in hearings.
Click to contact our Glastonbury Child Custody Lawyers today
Enforcing Child Support Orders
If the other parent neglects to pay you court-ordered child support, the Connecticut Office of Child Support Services can force them to comply using tools such as wage garnishment and liens. The state may also pursue contempt of court charges to encourage the other parent to comply.
Our family law attorneys can help by filing enforcement motions, cooperating with the OCSS to move the case forward, and negotiating repayment plans or settlements. We can also work to ensure past-due payments are accounted for and paid.
If you are unable to pay child support for legitimate reasons, such as the loss of your job, we can represent your case and work to prevent unfair accusations and punishments.
Complete a Case Evaluation form now
Resolving Child Support Disputes
Child support orders in Connecticut are legally binding. Still, conflicts can occur. One or both parties may experience frustration with the arrangement or accuse the other of wrongdoing. We can help resolve many issues through dispute resolution tools such as mediation or negotiation.
Solving problems out of court is less expensive and less stressful than going through the full legal process. However, if necessary, we can take your case back to court and represent your interests.
Remember that the courts will always choose solutions that are best for your child. Generally, Connecticut courts do not view constant litigation and disputes as in the best interest of the child. Solving issues through alternative methods can be valuable.
Get Help From a Glastonbury Child Support Attorney Today
If you are dealing with complicated child support issues, it’s usually not a good idea to try to figure it out on your own. While fair, Connecticut laws are complex, and mistakes can harm your case, your rights, and possibly your child.
Our Glastonbury child support attorneys will represent you throughout the child support process. We’ll advocate on your behalf, make sure you are treated fairly, and allow you to have a strong voice in any decisions involving your children.
Our team at Rich Rochlin Family Law is Passionate, Personal & Proven, and we are ready to fight for you. Contact us today and tell us your story.
Let us help navigate your family legal matters schedule your consultation now.
