Wake Forest Child Support Lawyer
Raising a family is often tricky even under the best of circumstances. It can be especially difficult, though, if you need child support from the other parent but do not receive it. In many cases, you may have to pursue legal action to obtain the support you need to take care of your children and yourself.
A Wake Forest child support lawyer at Triangle Divorce is here to assist you with any legal issues you might have. We could review your situation and help you file a child support claim. We could also help you collect any support you are entitled to. If necessary, our dedicated legal team could even represent you and your family’s interests in any legal proceedings.
Pursuing Child Support Payments in Wake Forest
Any individual who has custody of a minor child or is seeking such custody may petition for child support, according to North Carolina General Statutes §50-13.4. Such a petition may be filed by itself or be included with any annulment, divorce, or alimony claim under N.C.G.S. §50-13.5.
Generally, a court determines the amount of any child support a person receives based on a variety of factors listed in N.C.G.S. §50-13.4, such as:
- Reasonable needs of the child
- Accustomed conditions and standards of living of the child
- Relative contributions of each parent or guardian, as well as each’s gross income
- Potential health, work-related childcare and education costs for the child
- Extraordinary expenses such as one parent’s long-distance travel related to visiting the child
Receiving Payments
Under N.C.G.S. §50-13.4(c), child support payments are generally payable on a monthly basis and due on the first day of each month. A Wake Forest child support lawyer may be able to provide more specific information about the usual amount of child support payments in North Carolina.
According to that same statute, child support payments cease when the child reaches the age of 18 unless the child has not yet graduated high school, in which case the payments may continue until age 20. This statute further stipulates that child support payments may end at any time if the child becomes independent.
Additional Fees in Child Support Actions
North Carolina law authorizes the payment of attorneys fees in any child support proceeding, according to N.C.G.S. §50-13.6. However, before a court may order the payment of attorneys fees, it must find that the individual responsible for paying child support has failed to provide adequate child support. In other words, a person may obtain a lawyer’s fees in conjunction with a child support proceeding only if the party responsible for child support has not paid a sufficient amount.
Medical Care and Insurance for a Child
Under N.C.G.S. §50-13.11, a court may order medical support for a child as part of any child support proceeding. Medical support may include any medical, dental, hospital, or other health expenses. Additionally, a court must order the payment of health insurance for a child if such insurance “is available at a reasonable cost.”
A Wake Forest Child Support Attorney May Be Able to Help
For many people, child support is a crucial means to help raise their families. Unfortunately, obtaining child support can be difficult and legally complicated depending on the situation. That is where a Wake Forest child support lawyer could step in to help.
Contact one of our Wake Forest attorneys here at Triangle Divorce Lawyers for assistance managing child support issues and making sure your family gets the support it deserves. We are familiar with child support laws in North Carolina and know the kinds of challenges you may face. Call today to schedule a case review.