Sumter Child Support Lawyer

Sumter Child Support Attorney

There are several legal ramifications to a divorce or separation. A Sumter child support lawyer may be the resource you need if you have recently gone through a divorce or are planning to go through one in the near future. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a strenuous custody battle to accompany a divorce. You need to be prepared for this. Child custody, child support, and property division are just some of the legal aspects an experienced attorney can assist with.

How Child Support Is Determined

South Carolina uses an income shares model when determining child support obligations. This model takes into account the combined income of both parents, the expenses related to caring for the child, and the living arrangements of both parents. Child support will typically be proportional to the adjusted gross income of the parents.

Health insurance, extraordinary medical expenses, and childcare costs are just a few of the other factors that will also be considered. If parents can agree on a fair child support payment, they could create their own support agreement. A Sumter Child Support Lawyer is often necessary to help create and review this agreement to ensure it is legally compliant and protects your and the child’s interests.

How a Child Support Lawyer Can Help

A child support lawyer is necessary in almost every child support case. No matter what stage you’re at in the process, a lawyer can provide much-needed support. Some of the many services a lawyer can provide include:

• Establishing paternity: Paternity must be established before child support can be paid. Paternity can be proven in different ways. A lawyer can help you with this if necessary.
• Help locating the other parent: If the other parent cannot be located or they stop making the required payments, a lawyer could be brought in for help. Additionally, if the other parent takes the child and tries to hide, a lawyer should be contacted immediately.
• Establishing the child support order: A Sumter Child Support Lawyer can help draft a child support agreement between parents. It should outline how the parents plan to care for the child and provide for their interests. The agreement will be subject to court review.
• Enforcing the order: If you need help holding the other party accountable for making payments or you need the order to be modified, a lawyer could help. They can negotiate an agreeable resolution with your spouse or issue a formal complaint.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Monthly Child Support Payment in South Carolina?

A: The average monthly child support payment depends on a wide variety of factors. Factors such as income, expenses, parenting time, and number of children will all play into the payment calculation. Additionally, the parents’ work history, job opportunities, education level, and occupational qualifications will also be a factor.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services has a child support calculator on their website that can help you estimate your monthly amounts based on your specific situation.

Q: Do I Need an Attorney for Child Support in South Carolina?

A: While you are not legally required to have an attorney for child support claims in South Carolina, it is highly recommended. An attorney experienced in family law issues could be a valuable resource. If you are going through a divorce, it’s likely that your spouse will have legal representation, so you want to make sure you do as well. A lawyer can help walk you through the child support guidelines and mediate a fair agreement with your spouse.

Q: Can You Modify Child Support Payments in South Carolina?

A: Yes, you can modify child support payments in South Carolina. Parents maintain the legal right to request a review of their child support order by a judge. Circumstances can change, and the support may no longer be necessary, or the amount may need to be altered. Income, expenses, or living arrangements can affect the payment amounts.

An experienced child custody attorney can help you determine if a modification is necessary in your case. A lawyer can also guide you through the required legal steps.

Q: Is There a Statute of Limitations for Child Support Claims in South Carolina?

A: No, there is no statute of limitations for child support claims in South Carolina. This means a parent can collect unpaid child support even after their child has reached 18 or graduated from high school. Child support in South Carolina usually continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school. However, it may continue under specific situations.

For example, if the child is disabled, support payments may continue past 18. An attorney can help you file a motion or court action regarding your support payments.

Q: Is Child Support Mandatory in South Carolina?

A:  Child support is mandatory in South Carolina when parents do not live in the same household. The state believes both parents have an obligation to financially support their dependent children. Child support is a child’s basic right, and separate parents cannot ignore it.

Even when parents agree on child support payments, the court must review the agreement to ensure the child’s interests are served. Child support payments may be made until the child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school.

Legal Support

Child support is taken very seriously under South Carolina law. In almost all divorce cases or situations where parents are living separately, some form of child support is mandatory. You may not fully understand the child support laws in your state or the extent of your legal rights. This is why an experienced attorney can be a good resource to utilize. By engaging a qualified attorney, you can focus on maintaining the relationship between you and your child.

At Deas Law Firm, our legal team in Sumter, SC is ready and able to offer the legal support you need. Since 2004, we have helped countless South Carolina residents with their family legal cases. We aim to get you the result you desire. With our hard work and dedication, we will ensure your legal rights are supported. It can be difficult to navigate the South Carolina court system on your own, so contact us today to speak with a member of our legal team.

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