Asheville Child Support Lawyer
Ending a marriage is never easy, especially when there are children involved. If you and your spouse decide to divorce, there are a variety of important matters regarding your children that you must address, such as child custody and child support. Unfortunately, because getting divorced is already a stressful situation for most people, these issues often result in disputes between parents. This makes having an experienced family law attorney in North Carolina crucial to your divorce so that you can trust that you and your child’s needs will be properly represented.
How Child Support Works in North Carolina
Child support enforcement in North Carolina is a legal process to guarantee that parents provide court-ordered financial support for their children. The state has a child support enforcement program through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). They provide various enforcement tools to help custodial parents collect child support payments
Here are some of the ways child support enforcement works in North Carolina:
- Court Orders: In North Carolina, child support orders are established through the court. Once an order is in place, both parents are legally obligated to comply with the terms of the order.
- Income Withholding: Income may be withheld from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck to ensure that child support payments are made. The amount withheld is based on the support order and the non-custodial parent’s income.
- Liens and Levies: Liens can be placed on the non-custodial parent’s property, such as real estate or vehicles. To collect past-due child support, the NCDHHS can levy their bank accounts.
- License Suspension: The NCDHHS can suspend the non-custodial parent’s driver’s license, professional license, or other licenses until child support payments are made.
- Contempt Actions: If the non-custodial parent fails to comply with a child support order, the custodial parent can file a motion for contempt with the court. The court can then order the non-compliant parent to pay the past-due amount. Otherwise, they face penalties such as fines or jail time.
Overall, child support enforcement in North Carolina is a serious matter. However, there are several tools available to make parents fulfill their financial obligations to their children.
Deciding When to Hire a Child Support Lawyer
You may want to consider hiring a child support lawyer in several situations, including:
- Establishing a child support order: If you are a custodial parent seeking financial support from the non-custodial parent, a child support lawyer can help you file the necessary paperwork. This can ensure that the support order is fair and in the best interest of your child.
- Modifying a child support order: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or living arrangements, you may need to modify an existing child support order. A child support lawyer can help you navigate this process and be sure that the modification is appropriate.
- Enforcing a child support order: If the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support as ordered, you may need to take legal action to enforce the order. A child support lawyer can help you file a contempt action. They can also help you pursue remedies such as wage garnishment or property seizure.
- Defending against child support enforcement action: If you are a non-custodial parent facing enforcement actions, such as wage garnishment or license suspension, a child support lawyer can help you defend your rights. They can verify that your financial obligations are fair and reasonable.
Overall, a child support lawyer can be a valuable resource in any child support enforcement situation. They can safeguard your rights and those of your child.
Get The Legal Representation That You And Your Child Need
Call 828.581.9529 or fill the online request form. Se habla español.
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Asheville Child Support Lawyer FAQs
What is a paternity dispute?
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Do you need a lawyer for child support in North Carolina?
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How much does a child support lawyer cost in North Carolina?
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How long can you go without paying child support in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, there is no statute of limitations on child support arrears. This means that a non-custodial parent can be held responsible for unpaid child support for as long as the arrears exist. Even if the child has reached the age of majority, or the support order has been terminated, the non-custodial parent is still obligated to pay any outstanding child support owed.
Family Law & Civil Litigation Lawyers
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