DeRidder Child Support Lawyer

DeRidder Child Support Attorney

Reaching a legal arrangement under which children receive the financial support they are entitled to, while also treating both parents fairly, is ideal and doable with the right help. The following guide outlines important steps to take when hiring a DeRidder child support lawyer.

Working with a lawyer for a child support claim can help create clarity and reason in an otherwise complicated process. Child support is not just a simple calculation of monthly expenses, but a long-term, legal agreement that can have long-lasting effects. Being meticulous, while also filing claim documents on time, ensures your child gets what they are entitled to, and you are not saddled with unfair financial obligation.

How Your Custody Arrangement Affects Child Support

Louisiana determines child support amounts based on the custody arrangement. In a “shared custody” agreement, parents share physical custody of the child for approximately the same amount of time. The 36th Judicial District Court of Louisiana requires you to complete Worksheet B to calculate the amount of support each parent owes.

In custody arrangements where one parent has the child for more time than the other, such as an 80/20 arrangement, the court will determine child support amounts based on domiciliary vs. non-domiciliary rules. The court defines “domiciliary parent” as the one the child primarily lives with, and the non-domiciliary parent as the one who does not have physical custody.

Calculating Child Support Amounts

The court also follows child support guidelines that outline how much of a couple’s combined gross monthly income gets distributed across the number of children they share. A court will determine these figures based on W-2s, 1099s, or any other proof of income.

The court uses the following steps to calculate child support amounts:

1. Determine each parent’s gross income. Gross income includes any wages, salaries, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, pensions, or in-kind benefits, like free transportation, meals, or childcare. If a parent has a pre-existing child, prior spousal support obligations, or tax obligations, these are deducted from the parent’s gross income. The adjusted amount is the adjusted monthly income.
2. Combine and locate on the Louisiana child support schedule. Both parents’ adjusted monthly incomes are added together, and the total amount determines where on the Louisiana Child Support Schedule their obligation is listed. The schedule table shows how this obligation is impacted by the number of children shared.
3. Calculate each parent’s percentage share. Each parent owes a percentage of the child support obligation based on their percentage of income. For example, if Parent A earns $3,000 per month, and Parent B earns $2,000 per month, their combined income would be $5,000. According to Louisiana’s Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations, for one child, the obligation is $933.Parent A would be responsible for 60% of this obligation, as their earnings total 60% of the total monthly income. Parent B would be responsible for 40%.
4. Adjust for changes in circumstances. Child support obligations can be adjusted if a parent’s circumstances have changed, such as a reduction in income, a pay increase, a new job, a change in the needs of the child, or a change in the custody agreement.

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Louisiana ranks second-lowest in the nation for single mothers receiving child support, with only 13% of female-led households reporting payments. This highlights the importance of accurate calculations and the difficulty with enforcement.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer Who Knows

Godley Law Firm, led by attorney William L. Godley, focuses on family law, including divorce, alimony, child support, child custody, and paternity cases. As a child of divorce who has also been through divorce, William Godley has walked in the shoes of those calculating childcare finances while also separating assets and treating all parties fairly and justly. This experience makes William Godley and his team invaluable for anyone needing a DeRidder child support lawyer.

Family law can be complex and often involves emotions. Hire a child support lawyer who will aggressively represent you, while also navigating the nuances of dividing property and calculating obligations with sensitivity. Godley Law Firm delivers this type of service for every client we work with

FAQs

Is It Better to Get a Lawyer for Child Support?

Petitioning for child support is a big process involving documented income, custody arrangements, and proof of expenses pertaining to a child’s needs and care. Working with a lawyer ensures you move through this process thoroughly, submitting all forms on time as required by the court. Failure to meet deadlines can result in your case being dismissed or delayed.

What Is the Average Child Support for One Child in Louisiana?

Child support amounts are calculated by a number of factors, so determining the “average” amount is difficult. However, for 2022-2023, the average child support collections across 15 parish seats in Louisiana were roughly $1.5 million. Working with a skilled attorney can cement a child support arrangement where you and your child are treated fairly and well-supported.

How Many Months of Child Support Can I Miss Before Going to Jail?

Louisiana specifies that any person ordered by a court to pay child support is guilty of a crime if they do not meet this obligation. If a payor misses six months of child support payments, or if the amount owed is greater than $2,500, they are classified as delinquent. For a first offense, the consequence is a fine of $500. Any subsequent offenses result in a fine of up to $2,500 or imprisonment for up to six months.

What Is the New Child Support Law in Louisiana?

Two major bills—Act 86 (HB773) and Act 448 (HB770)—went into effect on January 1, 2025. Both bills have impacted the schedule for child support obligation amounts parents must pay based on income. A skilled attorney experienced with child support law can explain these bills to you in detail and explain how they impact your situation. The attorneys of Godley Law Firm are happy to explain these bills to you during a consultation.

Guidance You Can Trust

William Godley and all of Godley Law Firm would love to represent you in your child support case. The combined experience at our firm means we are familiar with the law and many common pitfalls and know how to avoid them, and we know how to look out for clients as we take them through the process. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to serving you.