Child support is a financial payment made to help cover the cost of raising children after the end of a marriage or similar relationship. Biological parents are legally obligated to provide these payments, regardless of whether they share physical custody with one another. Whether you are a parent seeking to receive child support from your ex-spouse or you’re looking to establish an order for your own benefit, you can benefit from having an experienced attorney on your side.
Choosing the best Child Support attorney in Knoxville, TN for your case depends on a number of factors, including how long your lawyer has been in practice and how much they charge. Some attorneys will charge an hourly rate, while others will work for a flat fee. Your lawyer should be able to explain these options and help you determine which is right for your needs.
The first step in determining what you might owe or receive in child support is to have your incomes and expenses verified. This usually involves bringing copies of your most recent tax return, pay stubs and a financial disclosure statement to court. Your attorney can help you prepare these documents to make sure they’re complete and accurate.
Once the state’s child support guidelines are applied to your case, a judge will decide what amount you should be paying or receiving. These amounts are generally based on a formula, which takes into account your incomes and your ex’s, as well as the child’s financial needs, such as school costs, health care, food, housing and other expenditures.
Depending on your situation, your attorney can also help you establish an extracurricular activity expense, which is a separate line item in your child support calculations. This is typically for things like summer camp, after-school classes and sports activities. In most cases, the extracurricular activity expense will be split evenly between you and your ex.
If your circumstances have changed since you filed for child support, your attorney can also help you get a modification to the existing order. This process isn’t always easy, but your lawyer can help you prepare the necessary documentation and ensure that the change in your circumstances is substantial.
If you need a Child Support attorney in Knoxville, contact the law firm of John Sholly Attorneys at Law. Their team consists of a family law attorney and a divorce lawyer who handles cases like this. They represent clients in child support proceedings, helping them present their circumstances and bring an enforcement action when needed. They also provide mediation services, which is a less-adversarial way to resolve family matters like this. They serve clients in Knoxville and the surrounding areas.
