A: The factors considered when determining child support payments vary based on each situation. However, one common factor is the income of both parents. An estimated child support payment is based on how much support a child would receive if both parents lived together on their shared income. Other factors include the number of children involved and each child’s unique needs.
Baton Rouge Child Support Lawyer
Baton Rouge Child Support Attorney
Legal issues become personal when the well-being of your family is on the line. It is important to ensure your child receives the financial support they are entitled to and has a chance to thrive. Schedule a consultation with a Baton Rouge child support lawyer to speak with a legal team that has years of family law experience.
Handling Cases With Integrity
At Longman Jakuback, we understand family law issues can be difficult and emotionally charged. That’s why we’re committed to providing clear and informative legal advice. We offer the highest level of professionalism while delivering the results our clients need.
We know how child support payments can affect the lives of you and your children, which is why we’re committed to fighting for a fair agreement. Although we’re located in Baton Rouge, we serve clients across Louisiana to ensure their voices are heard throughout the child support process.
How Child Support Is Determined in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Child support in Louisiana is calculated based on a model that focuses on both parents’ incomes. It assumes that the child should receive the same income ratio regardless of whether or not both parents are living together. This model considers both parents’ gross income and then uses a formula to estimate how much the child needs to satisfy basic living expenses like food, shelter, medical care, and other needs.
Another factor that greatly influences how much child support is required is the custody arrangement both parents developed. If one parent has primary custody, the other parent normally pays child support. If the child spends a relatively equal amount of time with each parent, the amount might be adjusted. The overall goal of child support is to protect the child’s well-being.
Changing Child Support Payments
Louisiana courts know that life circumstances can change for both parents and their children, so they do allow parents to request a change in child support payments. However, there must be a significant change, like a job change, one parent remarrying, or the child requiring more funds. In order to modify child support, a parent has to file a petition with the court along with evidence that supports this change.
It is a good idea to file this paperwork as soon as possible after the change happens. The payments will only be changed from the time of court approval, and any payments that have already been made beforehand will not be adjusted. Additionally, if the court determines that these changes are not in the child’s interests, they might not make an adjustment.
Child Support and Shared Custody
In shared custody arrangements, both parents are responsible for the child’s expenses, which can influence child support calculations. Just because there is a shared custody arrangement does not mean there will be no child support, but it could lower the amount one parent needs to pay because both parents are more directly contributing to the child’s needs on a daily basis.
The court typically adjusts child support amounts based on how much time the child spends with each parent but also takes each parent’s income into account to ensure that the child’s standard of living is as consistent as possible. In Baton Rouge, LA, the parent who earns more might still be required to pay child support to ensure that the child’s needs are met in both households. This makes child support more complicated than a simple cost split between parents.
Child support is mainly intended to cover a child’s basic needs, but sometimes, additional payments are needed for education and healthcare. If the child has medical expenses that are not covered by insurance, these costs are usually shared between both parents based on their income. This can also apply to other financial considerations like private schools, sports, or summer camps.
FAQs
Q: Can Child Support Be Modified if My Financial Situation Changes?
A: Child support can be modified if your financial situation changes. For example, if a parent loses their job, obtains a new job, or otherwise reduces or gains income, they can request a modification. This also applies if one parent remarries or has additional children that they must take care of. While either parent can request to change child support, there must be a substantial amount of evidence that a significant enough change in circumstances has occurred.
Q: What Happens if the Other Parent Refuses to Pay Child Support in Louisiana?
A: If the other parent refuses to pay child support in Louisiana, the parent can take legal action. The court has several options available to enforce child support payments and can impose significant consequences on parents who do not comply. The most common penalties include garnishing the other parent’s wages, taking their tax refunds, or even placing liens on their property. Other actions may be taken depending on the severity of non-payment.
Q: How Long Do Child Support Payments Last in Louisiana?
A: The length of child support payments in Louisiana depends on when the child turns 18, which is the age of majority in the state. However, it is possible for child support payments to extend beyond the child’s turning 18 if the child is still in high school or has a disability that prevents them from taking care of themselves. There can also be unique circumstances where both parents agree to extend payments to cover college expenses.
Promote Your Child’s Financial Security
An experienced Baton Rouge Child Support Lawyer can ensure that your child’s present and future needs are met. Schedule a consultation with Longman Jakuback today to remove the burden of child support arrangements from your shoulders. We offer compassionate legal guidance that helps you put your child’s needs first. We look forward to speaking with you today.
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