Seattle Child Custody Lawyers

Child Support Attorneys Serving Seattle, Washington

After deciding upon child custody arrangements, the court will typically order the non-custodial parent to pay child support to the custodial parent.  Child support is a monetary form of support to help pay for the child’s every days needs, including shelter, food, clothing, schooling, medical expenses and other expected expenses.  The court uses specific methods to determine the amount of child support, which is usually paid on a monthly basis.  Many individuals enlist the assistance of lawyers during this time who can help them through the child support process while making sure that their rights and interests are protected.  If you are trying to obtain child support, or if your spouse is trying to have you pay child support, a Seattle child custody lawyer will be very beneficial to your case. 

Determining Child Support in Seattle

Although there are many factors that go into determining child support amounts, Washington State mainly employs the “Income Shares” model to come up with a fair and accurate way of determining child support payments.  The income shares model will take into consideration the income of both parents to determine child support obligations.  The following factors will be considered:

• How much the custodial parent earns
• How much the non-custodial parent earns
• How many children there are, and their individual needs (school, medical expenses, and any special circumstances that may need to be considered)
• The percentage of time the children spend with each parent

Out of all the issues related to family law, child support is perhaps the most widely contested issue.  Often times, the people who are being asked to pay child support are not willing to part with their hard earned money and feel that the amount requested is too much.  Child support guidelines are not fool proof and can sometimes neglect to take into account specific information about the involved parties needs.  Whether you are trying to obtain child support, or are contesting the amount of child support you have been ordered to pay, a Seattle child custody attorney will be able to provide you with the representation you will need during this time. 

Contact a Seattle Child Custody Lawyer today to discuss any child support issues you may be facing!