Greensboro Child Support Attorneys Advocate for Triad Clients
North Carolina firm assists custodial and noncustodial parents
Regardless of their relationship status, both parents are legally responsible for meeting the financial needs of their minor sons and daughters. Located in Greensboro, Sigmon Klein, PLLC delivers comprehensive advice and advocacy on child support issues for clients throughout the Triad area. In matters involving initial rates, proposed order modifications and enforcement proceedings against nonpaying parties, we offer strong guidance so that parents can safeguard themselves and their children.
Knowledgeable lawyers advise on factors used to set support rates
Our experienced North Carolina family law attorneys represent paying and recipient parents in child support matters and offer sound counsel on crucial issues, such as:
- Who pays — Child support standards vary depending on whether one parent has primary residential custody (meaning that the noncustodial parent pays) or if this responsibility is shared (when a child spends at least one-third of the year in both homes). You might also opt for a split custody arrangement where at least one child lives with each parent. We’ll apply the law to your particular circumstances and outline who is obligated to make payments.
- Child support factors — Though judges can diverge from it, the state provides a formula for setting child support rates. Using the calculation, courts consider both parents’ income as well as other factors, such as health insurance premiums and work-related child care costs. If your situation involves extraordinary expenses not specifically covered by the formula, such as special medical needs or a costly extracurricular activity, we can work on a solution that incorporates these elements.
- Duration of payment obligations — North Carolina parents are required to make child support payments until their son or daughter turns 18 years old. The obligation can be extended up until the youth’s 20th birthday if he or she is still in high school.
Whether your child support matter is associated with a divorce or you were never married to your co-parent, we strive to avoid unnecessary conflict and might use mediation to work out serious differences. However, we are always prepared to go to court on our clients’ behalf. This might be necessary if a dispute exists over the accuracy of financial information or a parent is suspected of intentionally lowering their income to secure a better child support rate.
Skillful litigators handle modification requests when circumstances change
A child support order reflects the circumstances that exist at the time it was entered. However, a promotion, job change, new child, medical crisis or some other event can warrant a modification in terms. If the new situation would trigger a change of at least 15 percent in the child support rate, we can petition the court for an appropriate modification. You are not permitted to make this revision on your own. Our firm also represents parents who oppose requested changes that they believe are not justified.
Effective advocates handle child support enforcement actions
Several different sanctions can be levied against an obligor parent who fails to comply with a child support order. Enforcement proceedings can lead to wage garnishment, suspension of a state-issued license, seizure of property or even a contempt of court charge. We assist parents with the completion of necessary paperwork and offer representation during Show Cause hearings. If you’re not receiving the full, timely payment you’re entitled to, or if you’re being wrongly accused of violating a child support order, we can help.
Contact a Greensboro lawyer for a consultation about a child support concern
Sigmon Klein, PLLC advocates on behalf of Triad parents in all types of North Carolina child support matters, including modification and enforcement actions. To arrange a consultation with a proven Greensboro family lawyer, please call 336-697-6790 or contact us online.