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• Modifications: Child Support
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Vancouver WA Child Support Lawyer

As a result of our substantial experience in this area of Family Law, we can offer our Washington State child custody clients proven strategies in negotiating and litigating child support, modifications, and enforcement. Furthermore, each child custody lawyer recognizes their responsibility not only to our clients, but also to promote and protect the best interests of their children.

How is the amount of child support determined in Washington State?

The courts are required by Washington State child support laws to set appropriate child support obligations in all family law cases. The amount of child support is calculated based on the net incomes of both parents, how many children you have, and the ages of the children.

Determining net income becomes more complex for people with more complex financial situations (unemployment, underemployment, business interests, investments, etc.) and therefore it is important to evaluate many different factors when establishing child support obligations. A Vancouver WA child support lawyer who understands how to assemble and analyze the financial information properly will help ensure your child support levels are truly appropriate.

A tool is available for residents of Vancouver WA and Clark County for estimating child support payments: The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Child Support Calculator https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/csips/ssgen

In Washington, child support may be periodically adjusted to allow for changes in circumstances. To succeed in a child support modification (to either increase payments received or decrease payments made), you must show the court that you have experienced a significant change in your circumstances. This can include involuntary unemployment, incarceration, new children you also must support, medical disabilities, medical expenses, or other changes in income.

At McKinley Irvin, we limit our law practice to family law matters. Our Vancouver WA child support lawyers have substantial experience in Washington State law regarding child support, modifications, and enforcement. Contact McKinley Irvin Family Law.

What if I cannot afford my child support payments?

In the event you can no longer afford your child support payments due to circumstances beyond your control, you are still legally obligated to financially support your children as determined in your child support order. If you do not pay, you can be sued, have your wages garnished, or your driver's license suspended. Instead of failing to pay, you should notify the Vancouver WA office of the Washington DSHS Division of Child Support immediately. You can then file a child support modification to adjust your legal child support obligation or a temporary order to reduce your payments for a period of time. If you can afford a child support lawyer to help you file the modification order, it is usually beneficial to do so.

CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT IN VANCOUVER WA

What if I do not receive my child support payments?

If a parent fails to pay child support in Washington State, the other parent may go back to the Washington family law court to collect the support. Collection steps may include wage garnishment, bank account garnishment, seizure of retirement plan funds, liens on property, seizure of tax refunds, revocation of passports, suspension of driver's or business licenses, or even jail time.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you can ask the Division of Child Support Enforcement to attempt to enforce your child support payments. There are benefits, however, to retaining a child support attorney to help you collect unpaid child support, such as faster collection times and additional legal advice.

McKinley Irvin is a full-service law firm focused exclusively on the practice of family law. For over 20 years, our accomplished lawyers have effectively resolved family law and divorce matters for our clients in Washington and Oregon.

Contact our office at 360-836-1136 to consult with a McKinley Irvin Vancouver WA child support attorney regarding your family law matter.