The law requires parents to financially support their children. However, the system may not always be fair. For example, a parent can pay so much child support that they don’t have money to live. Talk to Child Support Lawyers in Cullman AL if you’ve gotten a raw deal. Lawyers try to negotiate and protect your rights.
The Concept of Child Support
Child support laws are designed so that children don’t suffer. It’s ideal for the children to have the same lifestyle they did when the parents were together. In most instances, the non-custodial parent pays child support. 38 states, including Alabama, use the income shares model to determine child support. It’s good to talk to Child Support Lawyers in Cullman AL so you’ll understand this method.
Income Shares Method
The income shares method is based on what a two-person household spends to raise children. That amount is split between the parents based on income. The parent with the higher salary pays more. Further, a parent can deduct child support paid to another household from their gross income. In addition, the payer can deduct amounts paid for daycare and health insurance. Critics say the income shares method is not fair. That’s why non-custodial parents should Get Experienced Legal Counsel.
Problems with Income Shares
One of the problem areas for the income shares model involves the high-income parent. The high-income parent is ordered to pay a lot of child support. The amount may be such that the custodial parent does not have to work. Rather, they use child support to take care of themselves. Next, some parents try to beat the system by taking a lower-paying job. Fortunately, the law allows judges to base payments on what someone is able to make. The court does this by looking at the parents’ work history and education.
Child support may be paid in one of two ways. The custodial parent may accept payments directly. On the other hand, payments can be deducted from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck. These payments are sent to the Child Support Collection Office. This method is preferable for many payers because there’s an accurate record. Discuss the best way to pay with your lawyer.
