When you have a child, you have an obligation to provide for them financially. Child custody and support laws vary by state, but they all have the same purpose: to protect children’s best interests and ensure they get the care they deserve. If you are the custodial parent of your child and you want to apply for child support from the other parent, turn to a family law attorney at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. in Lake St. Louis, MO. Their experienced legal team will be able to answer your questions about child support.

The following questions are among the most frequently asked by parents seeking financial assistance for their child.

How Do I Apply for Child Support?

To apply for child support, you need to submit an application at the nearest Child Support Office or online. After the Family Support Division receives your application, they will open a case using the information you included in your petition. Save copies of all documentation related your case, so you can refer to it as needed.

What If I Cannot Complete the Application?

The purpose of the application is to provide information about your living situation and your financial resources. Try to answer every question as thoroughly as possible, and include all requested documents to prevent any delays. If you do not know the answer to one of the questions, your divorce attorney can help you find the documents that have the information you need.

Do I Need to Establish Paternity in Order to Get Child Support?

To pursue child support, parents will need to establish paternity if they were not married during the pregnancy or birth of the child. Under the current family law, you typically do not need to establish paternity if you were married during conception or pregnancy, or before the child’s birth.

Can I Change the Child Support Amount?

If you want to modify your child support order, you must submit a request in writing to the Family Support Division. Unless there have been significant changes in your circumstances, you need to wait at least 36 months to request modification of a current order.

Whether you want to request or modify a child support order, you can rely on a family law attorney from Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. in Lake St. Louis, MO. Visit their website to learn more about petitioning for child support, and call (636) 561-5599 to start working on your application today.