Jennings Child Support Lawyer

Trusted Jennings Child Support Attorney

When two people have a child, or children, together, both parents are expected to financially support those children, regardless of the relationship status of the two parents. At Godley Law Firm, a Jennings child support lawyer can explain how Louisiana child support laws apply to your case. We can assist you with establishing child support, requesting a modification, or enforcing an order.

About Us

Our law firm represents clients in southwest Louisiana with family law matters including child support issues. Attorney William L. Godley assists families with a wide range of child support concerns and has more than 25 years of legal experience. Prior to practicing law, Mr. Godley worked as a professional musician touring the country. His time as a musician has given him the ability to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life.

Attorney Godley has been through divorce himself and is also the child of parents who divorced. He understands that families who enter legal proceedings involving children can face a variety of emotional and financial challenges.

Understanding Child Support Laws in Louisiana

In Louisiana, child support is an important legal requirement for parents to financially support their children, particularly if the parents are unmarried. As of 2023, the state had a divorce rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents. Also, 54.9% of live births were to unmarried mothers, with many of these cases needing child support provisions. The purpose of child support is to support the child and their needs. This can include:

• Daily living expenses, such as food and clothing
• Education
• Medical costs
• Extracurricular activities
• Housing

Each parent’s financial resources and income are considered when determining how much child support should be paid by each parent. Courts typically use statewide support guidelines when calculating an initial support amount. Parents can use a child support estimator to calculate how much they can expect to pay in support.

Guideline calculations are only one factor the court considers when determining whether support should be awarded. Judges also consider evidence pertaining to factors that may warrant a deviation from the guidelines in some situations. Parents should remember that support is designed to benefit the child, not to reward or punish the other parent.

Modifying a Child Support Order

Once a judge enters a child support order, it does not necessarily remain that way forever. Parents can ask the court to reevaluate an order with a Rule to Modify Child Support if their circumstances change. Some reasons a modification may be requested include:

• One parent has a significant change in income
• A parent loses their job
• One parent suffers significant medical changes, such as a disability
• The child’s expenses significantly change

Parents should continue making payments as outlined in the original order until a judge approves the modification. Informal agreements to change the support amount are typically not legally enforceable.

Enforcing a Child Support Order

If one parent refuses to adhere to the current child support order, the other parent can request that the court enforce the order with a Rule for Contempt. To enforce child support, Louisiana law provides various options, including wage garnishment, structured payment arrangements, contempt of court citations, and other penalties.

Parents should not withhold parenting time if the other parent is unable to pay support. In most situations, child support cannot be withheld when a parent denies visitation. Custody and visitation are separate issues from child support.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer

Many parents choose to hire a child support lawyer when they have questions about income calculations, financial disclosures, enforcement actions, establishing paternity, or modifying an existing order. Attorneys prepare court documents, examine financial records, determine support amounts according to guidelines, submit replies, collect evidence for hearings, and make sure all documents are filed on time.

A Jennings child support attorney can also explain how Louisiana child support laws apply to your unique circumstances and review any proposed agreements before they are submitted to the judge for approval. Child support cases in Jennings will typically be handled in the 31st Judicial District Court, located at 300 North State Street, Jennings, LA 70546.

FAQs

Can Child Support Be Ordered if the Parents Were Never Married?

Yes, child support can be ordered if the parents were never married. Either parent can request that the court order child support. Before an order can be issued, paternity may need to be established legally. Both parents have the right to request child support, even if they do not have full custody of the child.

Does Child Support Automatically End When the Child Turns 18?

Child support does not necessarily automatically end when the child turns 18. If certain conditions are met, child support may proceed longer than their 18th birthday, such as if the child is still in high school or if the child has significant special needs. As long as child support is owed, parents should follow the court order that established the support obligation until the support terminates by law or by entry of another court order.

What Income Is Included in Calculating Child Support?

Courts typically consider each parent’s gross income including salaries and wages, bonuses and commissions, income from self-employment, and other sources of income. Depending on the case, a judge may also take into account permitted deductions, healthcare expenses, childcare costs, and other financial information required by the child support guidelines to calculate how much child support is appropriate.

Can Parents Agree to Their Own Child Support Amount?

Yes, parents can agree to their own terms regarding child support. However, the court needs to approve the agreement before it becomes an enforceable court order. A judge can review your agreement and decide whether the agreement meets legal standards and serves the child’s financial interests. The judge is not required to approve your agreement.

Learn About Your Options Today

At Godley Law Firm, we can assist you in developing, modifying, and/or enforcing a legal child support order. We can advise you on your legal options and advocate for you and your child in court. Contact us today for more information.

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