Washington, D.C. Attorney Handles Full Range of Child Support Issues
Firm provides cost-effective counsel to divorced and unmarried parents
Breakups between parents can be hard on children, but no matter what type of living arrangements exist, both parents must contribute financially to assist their sons and daughters until they reach the age of majority. Unfortunately, even though most mothers and fathers are aware of this, working out the details can be tricky and contentious. Located in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of Jesse A. Gadson, PLLC advocates for parents in child support matters throughout the area. My firm presents the necessary information to the court when the initial rate is determined and also handles legal proceedings related to the enforcement and modification of existing child support orders.
Factors used to calculate child support amounts
Whether parents are going through a divorce or were never married at all, a child support order should be entered when they live apart for the sake of their children’s well-being. Factors that are used to determine child support rates in Washington, D.C. include:
- The income of both parents
- The amount of time the child spends in the noncustodial parent’s home
- How the parents pay their son or daughter’s medical insurance premiums
- How childcare expenses are divided
Under the “income shares” model used in both the District and Maryland, each parent’s responsibility is calculated based on the percentage of total parental income that they provide. For example, if one parent earns $70,000 per year and the other earns $30,000 annually, the first parent would pay 70 percent of the total needed to support the children the parties share. However, if the first parent paid all of their son or daughter’s medical insurance premiums, their obligation would be adjusted downward. As a family law attorney with decades of experience, I’ll guide you through the process and explain what type of result you could expect under the guidelines.
Modification of existing child support orders
People’s lives change and a job loss, medical condition or revised custody plan might warrant a modification to child support terms. Washington, D.C. allows for a review and revision of a child support order after three years. However, if an intervening event would trigger an adjustment of at least 15 percent upward or downward under the District’s child support guidelines, the obligation can modified before the three-year mark. Whether you believe a substantial change justifies a new obligation amount or you are opposing your co-parent’s request for a modification, I will help you understand your rights and legal options.
Mediation can be useful to resolve disagreements over support terms
Even the most detailed child support formula cannot capture all of a young person’s unique circumstances and needs. Accordingly, negotiation and mediation might work best for everyone involved. Discussions between parents or sessions before a neutral third party can address issues such as funding of higher education, extracurricular activities and special medical needs that might exist. Taking the time to develop a personalized, mutually agreeable child support framework might avert disputes and the need for modifications down the road.
Helping parties in child support enforcement cases
Paying child support is a serious legal and moral obligation. There are numerous legal tools available to compel compliance when a noncustodial parent fails to provide the full amount they owe in a timely manner. You can seek to have your co-parent’s income withheld so that child support is sent to you before they collect their paycheck. Other enforcement methods include the suspension of a nonpaying parent’s driver’s license and the interception of tax refunds.
Contact a thorough DC-area child support attorney to discuss your issue
The Law Offices of Jesse A. Gadson, PLLC represents paying and recipient parents in all types of child support proceedings, including modification and enforcement actions. To set up a meeting about your case, please call 202-972-1343 or contact me online. From my Washington, D.C. office, I serve clients throughout the District and Maryland.