The issue of child support can often be the most emotional and contentious part of a family law case. Frequently, what should be a straightforward review of income and expenses turns into a fight over who should have more time with the children, regardless of what might be best for them.

When you have a child support lawyer who is experienced with child support issues and who understands the latest information on interpreting how the state’s guidelines might impact your case, you can have peace of mind in knowing nothing is left to the unknown. That means looking at credits for proving medical insurance for your children, childcare expenses necessary for parents to work to attend school, or other work-related expenses paid by a parent. At the Law Offices of Stephen L. Cawelti, we ensure our clients have every aspect of child support analysis reviewed and considered, whether for settlement or in court.

Even after child support has been ordered, that’s not always the end of the story. Enforcing support, including figuring out past due child support and how to collect it, is a critical part of our knowledge base. Sometimes parents go years without trying to get past due support from the other parent. It’s a hassle, it’s confusing, and many people don’t want to “bring it all back up again” after their case is over. Key to remember is that child support is for your child, not you. You have many tools available to get the past due support that is due, often with penalties and interest. Once recovered, that money can be used for future college expenses or other educational needs. Or whatever your child requires. Speak to an experienced child support attorney to see how child support enforcement can help your children.

Child support modifications can also be an issue. Unlike some spousal support issues, child support is generally flexible depending on the income available to each parent. That means that when things legitimately aren’t so good for an earning parent, child support can be lowered. Likewise, as a parent’s financial picture improves, a portion of that good fortune should help the children. That goes both ways; it’s important to know what is fair when it comes to upward and downward modifications of child support. Don’t get taken advantage of! Know your children’s rights.