Child Support Attorney Serving Baldwin County, Alabama

Addressing child support issues requires knowledgeable legal counsel to ensure fair and adequate financial support for your children. Alabama law emphasizes the necessity of providing for the child's needs, taking into account the incomes of both parents and the specific circumstances of the family.

Establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders can be complex, and it's crucial to have an experienced attorney guiding you through this process. At Kesling Law Firm, we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive and empathetic legal support for your child support matters.

We proudly serve families in Baldwin County, including Mobile Bayway, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Malbis, Loxley, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to explore your child support options and ensure the financial security of your children.

How We Can Help

Child support cases require precise handling with a focus on fairness and the child's best interests. At Kesling Law Firm, we are committed to ensuring that your child support obligations are fair and based on accurate information. Our comprehensive legal services include:

1. Initial consultation: We'll discuss your specific situation, evaluating your financial circumstances and the factors that will influence the child support calculation.

2. Documentation and evidence gathering: We assist in collecting all necessary financial documents, including pay stubs, tax returns, and expense receipts, to ensure an accurate assessment.

3. Negotiation and mediation: We aim to reach fair agreements through negotiation and mediation, focusing on cooperative solutions that meet the child's needs.

4. Court representation: Should negotiations fail, we are prepared to advocate vigorously on your behalf in court to secure a fair child support order.

Perhaps most-importantly, we can give you a ballpark child support amount based on what you know about the other party's finances.

Child support is a math formula that has little to no room for deviation. We input the numbers and the formula tells us the amount.

Come see us and we can see what you are looking at getting or paying. Stop wondering and start knowing!

Understanding Child Support

Child support in Alabama is calculated based on the Income Shares Model, which considers the income of both parents to determine a fair support amount. The goal is to maintain the same standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the family were still intact. Key elements in determining child support include:

• The gross incomes of both parents.

• The number of children involved.

• Costs of health insurance and childcare.

• Any extraordinary medical expenses.

Alabama Child Support Laws

Alabama child support laws are designed to ensure that children receive appropriate financial support from both parents, regardless of the family structure. The state follows the Income Shares Model, which aims to replicate the financial standing a child might have had if the parents were living together. Some important aspects of Alabama child support laws include:

• Calculation of Support: The combined gross incomes of both parents are used to calculate the total support obligation, which is then divided proportionately based on each parent's income.

• Mandatory Guidelines: Alabama has established specific guidelines to standardize child support calculations across the state. While these guidelines are presumptive, courts can deviate from them if warranted by special circumstances.

• Child Support Modification: Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as changes in income, employment status, or needs of the child.

• Enforcement of Orders: The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has a Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) that aids in enforcing child support orders. This includes actions such as wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, and revocation of professional licenses for non-payment.

• Duration of Support: Typically, child support in Alabama continues until the child reaches 19 years of age, unless the court orders otherwise, such as in cases of disability or continued education.

Having a knowledgeable attorney from Kesling Law Firm by your side can make all the difference. Contact us today to discuss how Alabama child support laws impact your family and to ensure your child receives the support they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support

Understanding the intricacies of child support can help you navigate these challenging issues more effectively. Here are some common questions our clients ask:

How is child support calculated in Alabama?

Alabama uses the Income Shares Model, which considers the combined income of both parents to determine the amount required to support the child. The court will also factor in costs like health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary medical expenses.

Can child support orders be modified?

Yes, child support orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, like a change in income or the child's needs. Our firm can assist you in filing for a modification to reflect your current situation.

What happens if the other parent fails to pay child support?

Non-payment of child support can have serious consequences, including wage garnishment, property liens, and even jail time. If you are not receiving your mandated child support payments, we can help you enforce the order and secure the necessary payments.

Can child support be enforced across state lines?

Yes, Alabama has mechanisms in place to enforce child support orders across state lines, ensuring that the obligations are met regardless of the parents' locations. Our firm can assist with interstate child support enforcement to protect your child's financial well-being.

Are there any tax implications for child support payments?

Child support payments are usually not tax-deductible for the paying parent and are not considered taxable income for the receiving parent. It's important to consult with a tax professional for detailed advice specific to your situation.