4 Facts about Child Support You May Not Know

Our board-certified family law attorneys at CokerLegal have been helping families find solutions since 1998 through compassionate and high-quality legal counsel. When it comes to family law matters, we pride ourselves on the fact that our entire team, legal and supporting staff, provide compassionate and friendly service. One of the ways we provide this service is by offering some insight into family law matters, especially for divorce cases, and matters involving your children.

Child support questions crop up every so often, and our attorneys are always more than happy to address those questions thoroughly, with respect to your situation. Below, we list some four of the most common concerns that parents have brought to us.

1) Child support can be modified.

Family dynamics change all the time. We know that it may become necessary to modify the terms of your child support agreement. You will need to show documentation of how your circumstances have changed and will require the orders to adjust. This may be the location where you or the other parent live or if either of you now has a significantly different income.

2) Child support is not tax-deductible.

If you are the parent who is paying child support, you will not be able to deduct those expenses from your taxes. While you can deduct items such as alimony and other costs related to the care of your child, child support is not considered income, and cannot be taxed in that way.

3) Missing child support payments carries heavy penalties.

You can be held in contempt of court for missing child support payments. You may also receive other penalties, similar to a criminal charge. Your driver’s license can be suspended, you may have your taxes garnished, or your tax refunds may be taken away. You may also be put in jail. If you have trouble with payments, you can always ask the court to work out a more manageable payment schedule.

4) Child support orders can be made later.

Even if you or the other parent do not request child support or if the presiding judge does not go over this matter, note that child support can still be ordered at a later point in time. Be aware of this, and contact a trusted family law attorney to discuss legal options promptly.

Questions? CokerLegal is here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.