Child support

Every parent has a legal obligation to financially support their child. Palmer Family Law can help navigate what that obligation might look like, whether that is part of a divorce case, a custody case, or modification of existing orders. Child support determinations are a combination of various factors including each party’s income (or potential income), the overnight parenting schedule, and various credits for child care or health insurance. This can be daunting to figure out and having experienced counsel like Palmer Family Law and help excuse the fears about child support.

FAQs:

  • Child support is based upon a number of factors only one of which is the parenting time schedule. If one person earns significantly more income than the other, they will likely owe child support even if it is a 50/50 schedule. There are also credits for health insurance and child care which factor in that may result in a child support obligation, even if the parties make the same amount of money and have equal parenting time.

  • Unfortunately, that is not true. Child support is legally the right of the child, not the parents. You are not allowed to “give away” that right of child support. While a Court may allow parties to agree to no child support, it is only for good cause and typically only if the amount owed is relatively small. Otherwise, the Court will enforce the child support guidelines.

  • Self-employed individuals’ income is determined in large part based upon their business revenue less their reasonable and necessary business expenses. They cannot simply pay themselves minimum wage and live off of their business profits and avoid paying child support as a result of that. You will need to prove their true income in order to get the right child support orders. Having competent counsel is very important in this regard.

  • Yes, if there is a 10% change in the amount of child support based upon the guidelines compared with the current amount, your child support order can change.

Hear from past clients

  • “Mr. Palmer assisted me with my divorce. At the time I reached out to him things were messy and I didn’t have representation. i was frustrated and emotional. Mr. Palmer was very empathetic and compassionate. He provided me with sound, non-bias, empathetic legal advice. He was a kind voice of logic when I was emotionally driven by all of the things surrounding my divorce. At the end of the day, things worked out as best as they could have, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Mr. Palmer. I highly recommend him. For anyone, but as a female, I definitely felt heard and respected.”

  • “Outstanding representation. Rachel Palmer did a great job staying on top of my case, and remembering all of the details. I truly felt I was her only client although she had other cases. I was always impressed by her preparation, her eloquence representing me before the judge, and vs. opposing counsel. Thoroughly answered all of my questions, and laid out all of the options along the way. Great knowledge of the law, process and possible delays and pitfalls. I highly recommend Rachel Palmer.”

  • “Calm but very nice. Mrs. Palmer is a wonderful attorney! Calm but does not back down! I went through a difficult divorce, but whenever I called her she would reassure and she was always honest with me even if that meant not looking good for us. I would recommend her to anyone who needs not only a great attorney but also a support system during the unknown which comes with divorce.”

  • “Accurate, painless and efficient - 5 stars. Michael was a beacon of hope at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed almost impossible. His calm, empathetic demeanor offered buoyancy and confidence. I am eternally grateful for his professionalism and happily recommend him without reservation.”

  • “5+ years of representation. Michael has represented me for over five years through multiple family matters. I have followed him as he has moved firms and advanced his career. Michael has always given me the best advice and guidance and has helped me through the toughest of situations. I feel guilt for all of the issues he has had to deal with on my behalf. I would recommend Michael to anyone facing difficult family matters. i don’t know what I would do without Michael.”