Navigating a High-Asset Divorce: Key Considerations for Protecting Your Financial Future
Child support is crucial in ensuring that children’s needs are met after a separation or divorce. In Louisiana, child support is money paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent for the care and maintenance of their children. The funds cover a wide range of expenses, from basic needs to extraordinary costs like tuition, medical expenses, and extracurricular activities. However, determining the appropriate amount of support and navigating the legal process can be complex.
At EKF Family Law, our experienced Louisiana child support attorneys are here to guide you through the process with empathy and expertise, ensuring a fair and just outcome for your family.
Louisiana uses a set of guidelines to calculate child support. These guidelines consider the gross incomes of both parents, the number of children, and the custodial arrangement. In cases where parents share equal physical custody, child support is calculated differently than when one parent has primary custody. The court takes into account both parents’ financial situations to ensure that the child’s needs are met equitably.
Additionally, extraordinary expenses—such as school tuition, extracurricular activities, uncovered medical costs, and transportation—may be added to the child support obligation to ensure all aspects of the child’s well-being are covered.
In most cases, child support obligations cease when a child reaches the age of majority (18 years old) or graduates from high school, but no later than their 19th birthday. However, child support can continue for children with mental, physical, or developmental disabilities if additional care is required.
Child support orders are enforceable by law, and there are several methods to ensure compliance, including wage attachment, liens on property, or contempt of court. If a parent fails to meet their child support obligations or is habitually late in payments, they could face penalties such as fines, jail time, or other sanctions imposed by the court.
It’s important to note that child support obligations cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, and unpaid support may be collectible only for a limited time, according to Louisiana law.
Child support can be a highly emotional and financially complex issue. Whether you are the custodial parent seeking support or the parent required to pay, having an experienced attorney is critical to ensuring a fair and accurate child support arrangement. The attorneys at EKF Family Law are skilled in evaluating income, navigating the complexities of Louisiana’s guidelines, and advocating for the best interests of your children.
At EKF Family Law, we understand how important it is to secure a fair child support arrangement that meets your child’s needs. We are here to provide compassionate and knowledgeable guidance throughout the entire process. Whether you need assistance establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support, we are committed to helping you protect your child’s future.
Contact us today for a consultation and let us assist you with your child support case.