Child Support Lawyers - Calculation of Payments & Collection

State guidelines are ordinarily followed, subject to variations because of substantially changed circumstances. Child support lawyers use guidelines as a starting point to argue modifications, up or down, in support of their client's financial interest.

1. Private child support lawyers may represent either parent in disputes, modification, collection, or termination of payments.
2. State child support lawyers typically represent only parents attempting to collect unpaid amounts.
3. Motions to modify payments require proof of a substantially changed circumstance. Child support lawyers may offer testimony, documents, and expert opinions in support of motions filed.
4. Motions to enforce collection of payments are filed by both private and state child support lawyers. The standard of proof under criminal statutes authorizing incarceration is different than the standard required under civil statutes to recover money judgments.
5. All child support lawyers are subject to regulation through the state bar. Private child support lawyers may also be sued for malpractice in divorce and support cases, compared to Assistant State Attorney Generals are ordinarily given immunity from malpractice suits.