The child support program works to locate the parent who owes support. It searches through state, federal, and local resources. Once a parent is identified, the program contacts them and requests the necessary information. This information is necessary for the case to move forward. There is no fee for the service. The process can take several months.
Child support can be modified if a child’s needs change. It can also be modified if the circumstances of the noncustodial parent change. If you want to modify the amount of support due, it’s important to contact the court as early as possible. You’ll be able to have your child support case modified more easily if you act quickly.
Child support can also help with food, clothing, and shelter costs. Many states require noncustodial parents to carry health insurance for their children. Children can also benefit from college expenses. Some states even require the noncustodial parent to contribute to the college costs of their child. However, many states do not want children to suffer because of a divorce.
The amount of support due depends on the income of the parents. In most cases, the court uses a formula based on guidelines to calculate support. The parents have a right to a copy of the guidelines. If either parent pays less than the other parent’s income, the court can issue a default order or a warrant for arrest. Seek the help of an experienced child support attorney serving San Diego if you have problems navigating the legal system.
Child support is paid in periodic installments, and the amount depends on the circumstances of each child’s life. A child’s age, health and education needs, and standard of living if the family had remained together are all considered in child support calculations. Each state has different laws regarding child support. The courts make specific findings about the net monthly income of the custodial and noncustodial parents, and many statutes require the custodial parent to pay a certain percentage of their annual salary or bonus.
Expenses for medical treatment are one of the main expenses that can be included in child support payments. These can include emergency room and annual checkups, prescriptions, eyeglasses, dental braces, and more. Education expenses can be anything from tuition to private school. Child support payments can help pay for a child’s educational expenses as well. This can be especially important if the child is enrolled in private school.
Failure to pay child support can lead to jail time. The longer child support goes unpaid, the higher the risk of jail time. In addition, failing to pay support can negatively affect the parent’s reputation. If child support is two years or more overdue, the parent could be held in contempt of court.
The non-custodial parent must provide his or her name, the date of birth, and social security number of the child/ren. It should also provide proof of paternity such as a marriage or DNA test results, or other legal documents. In addition, if there are other children involved, child support orders will need to be obtained for them.