Rockland County, NY Child Support Lawyer

Also called a matrimonial attorney, or a family lawyer, a child support lawyer in Rockland Country, NY is a strong line of defense to secure a guarantee that children do not go hungry or without met needs. During divorce, couples with children may argue over custody or proper solutions for the health and happiness of their progeny. While the children may be innocent, uninvolved, and carry no blame for the separation of parents, they tend to be the most impacted. The altruistic and experienced team at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., are aware of this and seek to advocate for those children to ensure that they do not go forsaken in separation.

Child support is a payment made from one parent of a child to the other, for caregiving, sustenance, health, education or a combination of the above. It is an ongoing payment usually agreed upon by the parents or ordered by court. Child support can be granted to either parent and often follows the end of the relationship. Generally, the parents become referred to legally as the obligor and the obligee, with the former paying a monthly stipend to the latter for the benefit of the child. 

If you are going through, or planning a divorce, an experienced child support lawyer in Rockland County, NY can assist in requesting child support from your spouse and creating a valid, beneficial deal. Typically, the higher earner must make payments to the lower earner, as in many cases the lower earner has been the primary caretaker of the family. This can become complicated with custody. The divorcing parents may love the child very much and argue over custody, or reach an amicable agreement for splitting their children’s time between two residences. If no calm agreement can be reached, the court will become involved and order a solution. 

Take it from a Rockland County child support lawyer: divorce can be extremely stressful. Whether you made and initiated the decision yourself, or you were blindsided by your spouse, the many tendrils involved tend to be emotionally heavy and hard to deal with. You may be forced to uproot your life, seek new housing, or find work if you were not an earning spouse. While reasons such as irreconcilable differences are frequently cited for divorce, most people can agree upon the importance of making sure the children are affected as little as possible. 

A lawyer Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. does not deal exclusively with divorcing couples. Cases of extramarital conception are fairly common, and sometimes pregnancy occurs between two people who barely know one another. The resulting child is an innocent life and must be properly cared for by a parent or guardian, and financial support is still required. 

When life takes an unexpected turn, and you are no longer able to continue a relationship with your partner, consider reaching out to Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. Experience and deep knowledge of the law guide caring lawyers to advocate not only on your behalf, but on that of your children. Financial support is available, and your offspring deserve to live the most normal, happy life possible. 

If you’re dealing with a divorce or separation, you should get in touch with a Rockland County, NY child support lawyer as soon as possible. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., we understand the complexities involved in child support cases and are dedicated to providing our clients with the compassionate and professional legal assistance they need. Read on to learn more, and reach out to our office today.

Understanding Child Support Laws

Child support laws are designed to ensure that the financial needs of children are met when parents are no longer together. These laws take into account various factors, including the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the custody arrangement. Navigating these laws can be complex, and understanding your rights and obligations is essential for a fair outcome.

The Role Of A Child Support Lawyer

Your Rockland County child support lawyer plays a pivotal role in guiding parents through the legal process of establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders. Our lawyers are adept at analyzing financial information, negotiating agreements, and advocating for our clients’ and their children’s best interests, whether in negotiation settings or in court.

Establishing Child Support

The process of establishing child support typically begins with a thorough assessment of both parents’ financial situations. This includes income, assets, debts, and the specific needs of the child or children involved. Our goal is to ensure that the child support arrangement is fair, reasonable, and meets the child’s needs.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life circumstances change, and so might the need to modify existing child support orders. Changes in income, employment status, or the needs of the child can all be grounds for modification. We help clients navigate these changes, providing legal advice and representation to achieve an updated order that reflects the current situation.

Enforcing Child Support

Enforcing child support orders is sometimes necessary when a parent fails to meet their financial obligations. This process can involve legal actions such as wage garnishment or court proceedings. Our lawyers are skilled in the enforcement process, ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to secure the owed support.

Providing Personalized Legal Support

Every family’s situation is unique, and personalized legal support is crucial in child support cases. We take the time to understand the specific circumstances and needs of our clients, ensuring that our legal strategies are tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for them and their children.

Navigating The Emotional Aspects

We recognize that dealing with child support issues can be emotionally challenging. Our approach is not just focused on the legal aspects but also on providing support and understanding during this difficult time. We aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients.

Partner With Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C.

If you’re facing a child support issue, it’s important to have an experienced and compassionate legal team on your side. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., we are ready to assist you with your child support needs, offering the professional guidance and support you require. Contact us today to discuss your situation, and see how a Rockland County child support lawyer from our office can help.

4 Common Child Support Misconceptions 

Child support is a critical component in ensuring the well-being and development of children following the separation or divorce of their parents. For parents who are separated, having a Rockland County, NY child support lawyer can ensure that child support arrangements are as fair as possible. However, misunderstandings about how child support works are widespread, leading to confusion and potential conflict. 

Child Support Is Only The Father’s Responsibility

One of the most pervasive myths is that child support is solely the father’s responsibility. This misconception stems from traditional views of family roles. However, the truth is that child support is a gender-neutral obligation. As a Rockland County child support lawyer can explain, the court will keep the best interest of the child as a top priority, and not favor a particular parent. Child support obligations are determined based on various factors including income, the number of children, and custody arrangements, ensuring that both parents contribute to their child’s upbringing proportionally to their financial capability.

Child Support Covers Just Basic Needs

Another pervasive belief is that child support is only supposed to cover the essential expenses and needs of a child. However, the scope of child support is much broader. It encompasses a range of expenses that contribute to a child’s overall well-being and development. This may include educational fees, healthcare costs, extracurricular activities, and even travel expenses. The objective is to ensure that the child maintains a standard of living comparable to what they would have experienced if the family unit remained intact.

Child Support Payments Are Fixed And Unchangeable

Another common misconception is that once a child support order is set, it remains constant and unchangeable. In reality, child support orders are not set in stone. The orders are often flexible and can be changed to adapt to specific circumstances and sudden changes. This may include a substantial change in income, loss of employment, or changes in the child’s needs. Both parents have the right to request a review of the child support order to ensure that the payments remain fair and in the best interest of the child.

Non-Payment Of Child Support Leads To Immediate Legal Consequences

While it’s true that failing to pay child support can lead to legal consequences, there’s often a misconception that these consequences are immediate and severe. There are actually multiple steps involved that concern child support enforcement. Authorities typically provide the non-paying parent with opportunities to explain or rectify their non-payment before escalating the matter. However, persistent failure to meet child support obligations can lead to serious consequences, including wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or even jail time.

Child Support Infographic

Rockland County Child Support Lawyer

If you need assistance with a child support order, consult a Rockland County, NY child support lawyer. A lawyer can help you through the process. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about child support lawyers.

Q1: What Is A Child Support Lawyer, And What Services Do They Provide?

A child support lawyer is a legal professional specializing in matters related to child support. Their services encompass assisting individuals in establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders. These lawyers play a vital role in ensuring financial stability for children in cases of divorce, separation, or paternity disputes.

Q2: When Should Someone Consider Hiring A Child Support Lawyer?

Individuals should consider hiring a child support lawyer when facing issues related to the financial support of their children. This may include situations involving divorce, separation, or disputes over paternity. A child support lawyer helps navigate the legal processes to secure fair and appropriate support arrangements.

Q3: What Role Does A Child Support Lawyer Play In Establishing Child Support Orders?

A child support lawyer guides individuals through the process of establishing child support orders. This involves gathering financial information, presenting evidence to determine appropriate support amounts, and representing the client’s interests during negotiations or court proceedings. The lawyer works to ensure that the child’s needs are adequately addressed.

Q4: Can A Child Support Lawyer Assist In Modifying Existing Child Support Orders?

Yes, a child support lawyer can help individuals modify existing child support orders when circumstances change. This could include changes in income, employment status, or the child’s needs. The lawyer assists in presenting the necessary evidence to support a modification and guides clients through the legal process.

Q5: How Does A Child Support Lawyer Help With Enforcement Of Child Support Orders?

In cases where the noncustodial parent fails to comply with child support orders, a Rockland County child support lawyer plays a crucial role in enforcement. They initiate legal actions to ensure compliance, which may involve wage garnishment, property liens, or other legal remedies to secure the owed support.

Q6: Is It Possible To Handle Child Support Matters Without A Lawyer?

While individuals can attempt to handle child support matters without a lawyer, it is advisable to seek legal representation, especially in complex cases. A child support lawyer brings expertise in family law, ensuring that clients understand their rights, navigate the legal system effectively, and achieve the best possible outcome for their children.

Q7: How Are Child Support Lawyers Compensated For Their Services?

Child support lawyers typically charge fees for their services. This may include hourly rates, flat fees, or a retainer. Some lawyers may offer sliding scale fees based on the client’s financial situation. In certain situations, the court may order the noncustodial parent to pay the legal fees of the custodial parent if enforcement actions are necessary.

Q8: What Factors Are Considered When Determining Child Support Amounts?

Several factors are considered when determining child support amounts, including the income of both parents, the child’s needs, medical expenses, and childcare costs. A child support lawyer helps clients gather the necessary information and present it in a compelling manner to ensure a fair assessment of child support obligations.

If you have additional questions about child support, schedule a consultation with a Rockland County child support lawyer. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., we are here to help.

Contact A Lawyer You Can Trust 

Understanding the realities of child support is crucial for parents to navigate the complexities of post-separation parenting effectively. By debunking these four common misconceptions, it becomes clear that child support is a dynamic and fair system aimed at prioritizing the child’s best interests. It’s essential for both parents to stay informed, communicate openly, and, if necessary, seek legal counsel to ensure that the child support arrangements serve the best possible outcome for their child. Remember, the primary goal of child support is to foster a stable and supportive environment for the child, regardless of the family’s structure. If you have questions and need further help, speak to a trusted Rockland County child support lawyer like one from Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. now.