Establishing Child Support: Agreements vs. Disagreements
There are two main paths to establishing child support:
- Agreement: If both parents agree on the amount, you can create a consent order through the court. This order becomes legally binding and avoids a lengthy process.
- Disagreement: If you can’t agree, a hearing is necessary. Here, the parent seeking support presents evidence (often using a worksheet) to show the child’s needs and reasonable expenses. The other parent can argue their case, potentially leading to a deviation from the standard guidelines.
Deviations from Guidelines
Deviations are uncommon and require strong evidence from either parent seeking a change. This evidence could justify an increase (e.g., special needs of the child) or a decrease (e.g., significant change in income). In the end, the court decides what constitutes fair and reasonable expenses for the child.
Getting Help
If you need assistance with child support, consider consulting with one of our family law attorneys. They can guide you through the process and ensure your child’s needs are met.