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Process of Child Support Payments in Chattanooga

When one parent is the primary caregiver and needs financially support, they may seek child support payments from the other parent of their child. On the other hand, a parent who owes child support payments may need to present proper evidence to ensure that the amount is appropriate for the situation.

In either scenario, dedicated legal counsel can be essential to protecting your rights and best interests. A lawyer can help navigate the process of child support payments in Chattanooga and advise you on seeking a positive outcome in your case.

How Long does the Process of Determining Child Support Payments Take?

The process starts by one party filing a petition. Next, the court will set a court date typically within 60 to 90 days after the petition is filed. However, if there is a pending custody case, the court may put off the child support setting until custody is resolved. Custody cases can prolong the timeline, but the process of determining child support typically takes between 60 to 90 days after the petition is filed. An experienced Chattanooga attorney could further advise on how long a child support determination may take for a specific case.

Factors in Determining Child Support in Chattanooga

To set a support amount, the court asks for parties to bring in proof of income and provide information on parenting time with the child. When meeting with an attorney to prepare for the child support process, a party should bring several documents, including:

  • Proof of income (either a W-2 form or recent pay stub)
  • Any information regarding prior child support payments
  • Evidence of how much time each parent spends with the child
  • Proof of the child’s expenses, such as healthcare, recurring medical expenses, or daycare

The child support worksheet also considers whether another child lives in the parent’s home or whether the parent pays child support for another child. A skilled local attorney could be an essential resource at this stage in the process of calculating child support payments.

Common Mistakes during Child Support Legal Proceedings

Usually, the biggest problem that people run into involves the payment of child support during a pending court case. Failing to pay support until the petition is heard can be a huge mistake. There may still be child support owed even if an order has not yet been put down.

If no child support is paid during the pendency of a matter, a party may face an arrears judgement. It is best to work with a knowledgeable Chattanooga lawyer to come up with a hypothetical amount of child support to pay during the pendency of a case.

Differences between Visitation and Child Support Proceedings

Sometimes, one parent may refuse to let the other parent see the child. In this scenario, the non-custodial parent may be tempted to refuse to pay child support. However, it is crucial to remember that visitation and child support are treated as separate legal matters. Child support payments are owed to the primary parent regardless of whether they are having problems with visitation. If a parent is dealing with legal proceedings in Chattanooga for visitation or child support, it is best to consult a nearby attorney who could represent their interests.

Work with a Chattanooga Lawyer during Child Support Proceedings

If you are going through the process of child support payments in Chattanooga, your first priority should be to seek legal counsel and representation. Whether you are seeking or providing payments, an attorney at Yates & Wheland could advise on what steps to take in pursuing an efficient, positive resolution to your case. Give us a call today to set up a consultation.

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