Horror stories about inequitable child support cases abound. Still, improvements to child support laws in recent years have made the process fairer in most states - and California is no exception. Today, we're taking the time to dispel some common myths about child support cases, so you know what to expect from your upcoming support dispute.
To schedule a consultation with our team and find the best path forward in your case, contact us online or via phone at (908) 274-3028.
Myth #1: Only Mothers Who Have Custody Get Child Support
The purpose of child support is to ensure that children receive the financial resources they need to have a good quality of life. To achieve that goal, either parent can file for child support - regardless of their gender or custodial status.
Needless to say, a parent who only has visitational rights almost never receives child support. However, it may be possible for the noncustodial parent to request and receive child support if they house the child, even if it's a minority of the time.
Myth #2: Your Child Support Arrangement Is Set in Stone
In truth, child support arrangements actually tend to be fairly flexible.
If you experience a substantial change in circumstances after finalizing the support order, you can file an order modification case, enabling you to change the terms of the support order (at the behest of a judge, obviously).
Similarly, your child support order can last beyond a child's 18th year if the court deems it necessary. This may happen when a child has certain needs that will extend into their life as a young adult (such as medical expenses), or requires further support to have a reasonable quality of life.
Myth #3: The Payor Needs to Know How the Money Is Being Spent
The child support recipient does not necessarily need to inform that child support payor about how they spend the child support money, although doing so will probably increase how amicable the co-parents are with one another.
Additionally, child support payments can be (and often are) distributed towards expenses that indirectly help a child thrive, such as paying for their health insurance or other similar expenses that don't directly benefit the child all the time.
At DeTommaso Law Group, LLC, we'll work with you to pursue an ideal child support arrangement in your case.
Contact us online or via phone at (908) 274-3028 to schedule a consultation with our team.