Missouri parents still have a lot of work to do post-divorce. Your child still depends on both of you for financial resources, so figuring out a child support plan that works for all parties is crucial. Stange Law Firm is here not only to help get the ball rolling, but to aid you if you find yourself facing difficulties collecting support payments.
What do child support payments cover?
Modifying a child support obligation
When divorce divides a family in Jackson County, almost everything changes. Perhaps the one thing that does not is the love and affection the parents feel for their kids (and, by extension, the desire they have to care for them). It is for this exact reason why child support is such a pressing issue when it comes to divorce. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, over $33.7 billion was owed in child support as recently as 2015. In a perfect world, those who owe such a support would never have issues paying it. However, the fact that unpaid child support is an issue family courts are perpetually dealing shows that does not always happen.
Paternity testing and the steps at hand
No matter the situation, determining child custody can invite a world of stress for Missouri parents. After the obstacles of separation fade to the background, the court's decisions on parenting arrangements can create entirely new challenges. When there is uncertainty surrounding the identity of a child's biological father altogether, this stress can seem magnified.
Child support payments and low-income parents
For parents who are struggling financially, whether they have custody of their child or are a non-custodial parent, child support can have a significant impact on their lives. We know how hard it can be for some low-income parents to pay the child support that they owe. At the same time, we are also aware of the struggles that custodial parents may face when they do not receive the support they are entitled to. Either way, our law office believes it is crucial for parents to do whatever it takes to fulfill their obligations and access any resources that can help them out.
Child support determination guidelines in Missouri
One of the greatest challenges that divorcing parents in Jackson County may face is being able to set aside the issues that contributed to the end of their marriages in order to work together in raising their kids. Many may believe that residual feelings of animosity harbored by former spouses may prompt them to try and punish their exes through their divorce proceedings. One way may be to ask for inordinate amounts of child support. Those obliged to pay such support may feel as though their former spouses are trying to harm them financially under the guise of trying to support the kids. The fact that the U.S. Census Bureau reports that $32.9 billion was due in child support as recently as 2013 may seem to support this assumption.
Can an unmarried parent be required to pay child support?
From questions about the modification of a child support order to tax refund interception and figuring out how to enforce a child support order, our law firm knows that people have all sorts of questions about this facet of family law. However, you may be wondering how child support could affect you if you recently split up with your child's other parent, whether you are worried about providing for the child and are unsure if you are eligible to receive child support or are not sure if you will be required to make payments.
How long do you have to pay child support?
Child support consistenly ranks among the issu
es in a divorce that cause the most contention. Tensions between ex-spouses can often cause both sides to accuse the other of failing to pay it or misusing it. Given the strong bond you likely share with your kids, you may have no problem paying your obligation. At the same time, you may not want to see your ex-spouse taking advantage of this benefit by trying to get you to pay beyond what your obligation calls for. This prompts the question of exactly how long do you have to continue to pay child support?
Can unpaid child support impact my tax refund?
When non-custodial parents are unable to pay the child support they owe, their lives may become difficult in various ways. From being unable to apply for a passport to facing the risk of arrest, child support delinquency can upend life. Moreover, there are other consequences that some people do not realize, such as the way that unpaid child support can affect tax refunds.
When are men presumed a child's legal father?
For custodial parents and non-custodial parents, there are times when it is vital to understand whether or not a man is presumed to be a child's legal father. Whether you are worried about receiving child support that you and your child are counting on or you fear that you will be ordered to pay support for a child that is not biologically yours, understanding where Missouri law stands on this topic could be very important.
Back child support leaves rap artist behind bars
Failing to pay child support can create diverse challenges. In Jackson County, and in various parts of Missouri, those who fall behind may face stiff penalties such as fines, a social stigma and even time in prison. At the same time, unpaid child support can make life tough for parents and children on a daily basis. For example, they may struggle with the cost of school supplies, food and other necessities. As a result, all parties should take child support matters very seriously and stay committed to securing a positive outcome.
