Getting a divorce can be an incredibly complicated matter. There are so many issues that need to be worked out, especially if there are any children involved—private and business property division, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and more. Make sure you do your research about the major issues in a divorce and speak with a qualified attorney like Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell.
Once the dust of child custody and visitations discussion settles, many parents turn to the issue of child support. If one of you is going to have sole custody of the child, or if you’ll be going with partial custody, it’s essential that you work out who will be responsible for paying child support before the divorce terms are finalized.
Then you’ll have to agree on what amount is most reasonable and beneficial to maintain the wellbeing of the child. In the eyes of the court, the #1 most important task is making sure the child has what she or he needs to thrive.
No matter how involved you plan on being in your child’s life, it’s your responsibility as their mother or father to provide for them financially. If you and your ex-spouse cannot reach an agreement on the child support terms for your divorce, you may petition the court to decide for you. This path is not recommended because only you and your ex-spouse can truly know what’s best for your child, though the judge will do everything in his or her power to determine the ideal outcome for the child’s optimal wellbeing.
The amount of child support that will need to be paid is determined by various factors, including:
- Time each parent has custody of the child
- Gross income of each parent
- Tax filing status of each parent
- Child care costs
- Other mandatory expenses
IMPORTANT NOTE: The court may adjust the recommended Guideline Calculation of the child support payment according to the specifics of each case, so it’s essential that you have a qualified, knowledgeable divorce lawyer to represent you.
Instead of letting the court determine the outcome of your child support payment disagreement, try as hard as you can to reach an agreement with your ex-spouse via mediation. Here at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we have successfully mediated between many couples about all the issues considered during a divorce, including child support. Schedule an initial consultation today by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com. We’ll set up a time that’s convenient for both parties to meet and start working towards an equitable solution.
If you or your ex are business owners, working with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell is an especially smart choice because we specialize in both business and family law. There are unique issues that arise in the event of a divorce when a business is involved – including fairly dividing business assets while making sure the company can stay intact. All of the nuances of business and family law are carefully taken into consideration when you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell.
Call (909) 920-0908 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation today.
