Child support is among the most important, but poorly understood, aspects of child custody disputes. Unfortunately, prevalent misconceptions and outdated information cause many parents to make critical mistakes and surrender their legal rights. Below are a few facts every parent should know about the topic.

What You Need to Know About Child Support

1. Each State Has Strict Guidelines

While judges in the past enjoyed broad discretion when making child support orders, laws in each state contain formulas to promote uniformity. Many areas, including Missouri, offer calculators and forms online for parents to use to determine a fair child support amount.

2. Child Custody Arrangements Impact Payment Amounts

The amount a noncustodial parent will be ordered to pay depends on a variety of factors, including the nature of their child custody arrangement. As a general rule, the more someone spends providing for their kids in their homes, the less they will have to pay to the custodial parent.

3. Child Support Cannot Be Discharged in Bankruptcy

Regardless of an individual’s financial status, the law presumes that they are still responsible for their children. Unlike other unsecured debts, past due support payments are exempt from discharge in either a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy.

4. Job Loss Does Not Exempt Parents From Paying Support

Child support orders remain in effect until modified by a family court, regardless of a job loss or income reduction. If you have experienced a material change of circumstances, seek modification as soon as possible to avoid enforcement action.

5. The State Enforces Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to follow through on child support, each state may employ a variety of tools to compel payment. In addition to garnishing wages, the state might suspend that parent’s driver’s license or send them to jail for contempt of court.

As one of the top three law firms in St. Charles County, MO, Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C., has built their reputation on providing high-quality legal services. If you’re involved in a child custody or support dispute, their legal professionals will do everything possible to tip the scales of justice in your favor. Visit the website to learn more about their expertise in this practice area. To schedule a consultation at their office in Lake St. Charles, call (636) 561-5599, or (636) 456-7969 to reach their Warrenton office.