Could You Need a Child Support Lawyer and Not a Child Custody Lawyer?

When it comes to family law matters involving children, there are two main areas that often arise – child custody and child support. Many people mistakenly believe that if they need legal assistance with one issue, they automatically need help with the other. However, this is not always the case. In some situations, you may only require the services of a child support lawyer and not a child custody lawyer.

Understanding the Difference

Child custody refers to the legal rights and responsibilities of parents regarding the care, control, and upbringing of their children. It involves decisions about where the children will live (physical custody) and who will make important decisions about their welfare (legal custody). Child custody arrangements can range from sole custody to joint or shared custody.

On the other hand, child support is the ongoing financial obligation that parents have to contribute to the care and upbringing of their children. Child support payments are those made by the non-custodial partner to the other parent to help cover expenses such as food, clothing, housing, medical care, and educational costs.

When Might You Need a Child Support Lawyer?

There are several scenarios where you might need the assistance of a skilled child support lawyer, even if child custody does not seem complicated:

• Establishing initial child support orders: If you and your co-parent have never had a formal child support order in place, a child support lawyer can help you maneuver the process of determining the appropriate amount of support based on your state’s guidelines and your specific circumstances.
• Modifying existing child support orders: Life circumstances can change and there may come a time when an existing child support order needs to be modified. This could be due to a change in income for either parent, a change in the child’s needs, or other significant life events. A child support lawyer can guide you through the proper legal channels to request a modification.
• Enforcing child support orders: Unfortunately, some parents fail to comply with their child support obligations. In such cases, a child support lawyer can assist you in taking legal action to enforce the court order and collect the owed child support payments.
• Terminating child support obligations: In certain situations, such as when a child becomes an adult or is emancipated, child support obligations may need to be terminated. A lawyer can help ensure that the proper steps are taken to legally end the support order.
• Addressing complex child support issues: Some child support cases can become quite complex, especially when dealing with high-income earners, self-employed individuals, or situations involving multiple children from different relationships. A skilled child support lawyer can manage these challenges and protect your rights.

When Child Custody Matters Too

While there are instances where you may only need a child support lawyer, it is important to recognize that child custody and child support issues often go hand-in-hand. If you are facing a custody battle or a significant change in your custody arrangement, it is generally advisable to seek the assistance of a family law attorney who can handle both child custody and child support matters.

This is because the outcome of your custody case can significantly impact the child support calculations and obligations. For example, if you are awarded primary physical custody, the other parent may be required to pay a higher amount of child support. Conversely, if you have joint or shared custody, the child support obligations may be adjusted accordingly.

Besides, some states consider custody arrangements when determining child support as the amount of time each parent spends with the children can factor into the calculations.

Choose the Right Legal Representation

At the Law Office of Joyce Holcomb, we understand the complex nature of family law matters, including child support and child custody cases. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding these issues and can provide the legal guidance you need — whether you require assistance with child support alone or a comprehensive approach that addresses both custody and support.

We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and goals, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights and the best interests of your children. Our team is dedicated to finding practical solutions that minimize conflict and prioritize the well-being of all involved parties.

If you are facing a child support or child custody matter, do not hesitate to contact us at (909) 587-6475 for a confidential consultation. We will help you determine the appropriate course of action and provide the skilled legal representation you deserve.