Child Support Amount Calculations
Although the State uses a child support calculator in determining child support, the factors imputed into the equation can differ dramatically for various reasons – which is why often both sides in a case come up with different child support amounts.
An experienced family law attorney like myself can make sure the proper factors and variables that support you are included and that valid legal arguments are made on your behalf to maximize the benefit to you.
What to Do If You Can’t Your Pay Child Support
You do not want the District Attorney to get involved.
The District Attorney’s (DA) office prosecutes people for contempt of court based on non-payment of child support. If you are the party obligated to pay support, you want to avoid the DA getting involved in that process – which is what happens if you ignore an order to pay support. This is a battle you won’t win. You should certainly contest (through the modification process) paying more than what is fair and legal, however, ignoring an existing order is not contesting it. Even if you later lower the support amount you are ordered to pay, it is almost always impossible to undo or reduce what is called “arrears” or unpaid support, especially if the custodial parent has received government assistance.