Child Support Lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Parents must financially support their children. That obligation usually lasts until the child reaches the age of majority (18). An order for child support may be entered during or after a divorce, and in cases where the parties were never married, and either parent may be ordered to pay support depending upon how custody is arranged. When making decisions regarding child support, families may also want to consider accounting for other forms of support, such as healthcare costs, health insurance, childcare costs, and tuition.
A parent who fails to remain current on his or her child support obligations faces significant penalties. Every state has a child support enforcement office that works with the family court to suspend professional or business licenses, take away driver’s and recreational licenses, or place non-paying parents in jail when child support obligations are overdue. Because of the state specific requirements involved in child support, parents can benefit from the advice and involvement of a family law attorney at our firm when child support issues arise. Miller & Hilgendorf are child support attorneys in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who can help you collect overdue child support or determine a fair child support arrangement for your family. Call our experienced attorneys today for further advice.
How is Child Support Determined in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Louisiana makes determinations of how much child support must be paid based on the parents’ income. The amount you’ll have to pay in child support varies depending on your combined monthly adjusted gross income. The state uses a statutory table to determine how much child support is owed. Disputes can arise, however, if one parent fails to disclose certain income or assets, or if one parent isn’t making an active income, but has money saved in a trust or from inheritance. If you have questions or concerns about child support, consider reaching out to the qualified Baton Rouge, Louisiana, child support attorneys at Miller & Hilgendorf. Our firm can help you understand how your income will be calculated under the law, and determine a child support settlement that provides your children with the support they need.
What Can I Do If My Ex Won’t Pay Child Support?
If your ex refuses to pay child support, there are several mechanisms available to you to collect this money. For example, the Louisiana government can use the powers of the IRS to garnish tax refunds. The government can also garnish wages to pay child support. If your child’s other parent hasn’t been paying child support, it can help to have the assistance of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, child support lawyers at Miller & Hilgendorf. Additionally, in order to collect child support in Louisiana, you may have to first establish paternity. In some cases, genetic testing is necessary. Contact the child support lawyers at Miller & Hilgendorf in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, today.
