As parents, we want the best for our children. We want to give them a bright future. Robinson and Hadeed are caring child support attorneys in Gig Harbor who will advocate for you and know what it takes to navigate this emotional area of family law. We can help draft or modify child support orders to give your children the life they deserve. If you’re having child support disputes, or are behind on making child support payments, we can help you learn what to expect and help get you a fair resolution. We can also help with paternity issues if you want to confirm you are the father of your child to get your parental rights. Jeffrey A. Robinson won a landmark child support case, which you can read more about here. The case is often cited to guide courts on how to calculate child support.

Child Support Obligations and Calculations – The Basics

Unless a child’s parents terminate their parental rights or have their parental rights terminated, they are obligated, by state and federal law, to provide for that child. Depending upon the circumstances that a particular set of parents are facing, either of the child’s parents may be court ordered to pay child support. Most of the time, the parent that houses the child less frequently than the other parent does is the parent ordered to pay support. However, this is not always the case, especially if there is a significant earning discrepancy between the two parents.

If you have concerns about a Gig Harbor, WA child support matter, our experienced legal team can help you to resolve those concerns. Whether you’re “new” to child support obligations and have questions about how your child’s support will be calculated or you’re hoping to obtain a modification for an existing order, our team can help.

The “Ins and Outs” of Gig Harbor, WA Child Support Matters

Most of the time, Gig Harbor, WA child support payments must be made monthly and are calculated according to the income levels of the parents involved, the number of children affected, and a few other factors that we’ll be happy to explain in detail when you meet with our firm. However, there are scenarios in which – in addition to monthly, court ordered payments – parents make additional financial investments in their kids according to a different time table. For example, co-parents may choose to insert support-related language into the text of their legally enforceable parenting plan. Parenting plans don’t govern the monthly, court ordered support obligations that accompany nearly every child custody case. However, they may address additional support matters. Say that a child is enrolled in private school and it is important to one parent that the child remain enrolled. That child’s parents may choose to specify within the text of their parenting plan that a specific parent will remain responsible for paying the child’s tuition on a quarterly basis. Our firm can answer any questions you may have about these kinds of “outlier” child support arrangements.

It is important to note that in Washington, unlike some other states, step-parents are obligated to help support their dependent step-children until they are no longer married to the children’s parent or the court orders otherwise.

Legal Assistance Is Available

Gig Harbor, WA child support issues can be relatively straightforward or they can be frustratingly complex. Regardless of the “ins and outs” of the situation you’re facing, the experienced Washington family lawyers at Robinson & Hadeed can assist you with your legal needs at this time. Child support can be a sensitive topic for many families. Know that our knowledgeable and compassionate approach will help to ensure that you are able to weather your current challenges in ways that are as low-stress as possible. We look forward to speaking with you.