Expertise.com

Best Child Support Lawyers in San Antonio

2023

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls
Child Support Lawyers FAQs 〉

Last updated: August 23, 2023

FEATURED
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
310 S. St. Mary's Street, Suite 2100, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Child Protection service
  • Child Custody
  • Guardianship
  • Child Support

Business Description

The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie specializes in providing legal representation to clients for family law and criminal defense cases in San Antonio. Founding attorney Derek Ritchie is an acclaimed family law and criminal defense lawyer with a reputation for providing personalized service and client-focused representation. The firm focuses on the child’s best interest and handles cases involving modification, defense against modification, and enforcement of child support orders for its clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Derek Ritchie - Founder and Managing AttorneyActive4 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.2 / 5 (24)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Free consultation

FEATURED
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
4040 Broadway Street Ste 240, San Antonio, TX 78209
  • Modifying Agreements
  • Conservatorships
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Business Description

Kirker Davis LLP is a boutique family law firm of San Antonio and Austin family lawyers focused on providing high-end divorce and family law litigation services for clients across Central Texas including San Antonio and Austin. The firm’s divorce attorneys use vast trial and mediation experience to advise clients on their rights, strategies, and options under Texas family law in high-end divorce, complex custody matters, high-net-worth property division and other litigation cases. Divorce cases handled include contested and uncontested divorces, professional and business divorces, high-asset divorces, modification of divorce decrees, child custody, animal custody, as well as business litigation and comprehensive estate planning to protect the interests of clients and their families.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Holly Davis - Founding PartnerActive17 yrs
Chris Kirker - Founding PartnerActive13 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (57)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (18)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Call for consultation

FEATURED
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
6502 Bandera Road Ste. 106, San Antonio, TX 78238
  • Child Support
  • Child Custody
  • Spousal Support
  • Protective Orders
  • Adoption

Business Description

Attorney Randy Mora is a San Antonio-based lawyer who serves clients throughout the metro. He works on cases involving family law and provides counsel to individuals dealing with child support payments. The attorney has been practicing law since 2012. Mora has received several recognitions in his career. In 2022, he was named a Top Family Lawyer by the San Antonio Scene Magazine and one of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys by Attorney and Practice Magazine.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Randy Mora - PrincipalActive10 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (39)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (19)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Call for consultation

Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
8000 Frontage Rd #1510, San Antonio, TX 78230
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Cook & Cook Family Law Attorneys represents clients in the San Antonio metro who are facing child support concerns. The law firm explains child support complexities to parents, helping them fulfill their financial responsibilities to their children. It assists parents in understanding the state's child support calculations and the varying amounts that depend on the number of children couples have, allowing those in amicable divorce cases to agree on providing support different from that dictated by law. Justin D. Cook opened the firm in 2006.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (201)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (77)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (11)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
San Antonio, TX 78215

Business Description

Bandoske, Butler, Reuter, PLLC is a San Antonio firm that practices family law. Practice areas include mediation, divorce, child custody, child support, property division, enforcement, collection, and marital property. Partners Stephanie Bandoske, Ashley Butler, and Rachel Mary Reuter have Excellent and Superb Avvo ratings. Bandoske, Butler, Reuter, PLLC offers a free consultation. Clients appreciate their knowledge and experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Ashley Butler - PartnerActive13 yrs
Stephanie Bandoske - PartnerActive18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
3030 Nacogdoches Rd #222G, San Antonio, TX 78217
  • Visitation Rights
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC provides its services to clients in San Antonio and the surrounding communities. It assists parents with child support matters, including enforcement and changes to the orders. It also handles other family law cases, such as adoption, fostering, and grandparents' rights. In addition, the firm represents individuals in criminal defense and probate cases. Joe Hoelscher, one of the attorneys, has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers every year since 2014.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Joseph Hoelscher - PartnerActive16 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
4.9 / 5 (86)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (38)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (24)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
San Antonio, TX 78208

Business Description

The Law Offices of Orlando Kell is a San Antonio firm that has been serving clients for over ten years. The firm’s practice areas include divorce, child custody, visitation, fathers’ rights, and enforcements and modifications. Orlando graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in his class’ top 10 percent. He has a Superb Avvo rating. Clients remark on their work ethic, fair rates, and honesty.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Orlando Kell - Founder/OwnerActive18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
1120 Buena Vista Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Ruiz & Associates, PLLC represents San Antonio clients in child support and custody negotiations and court proceedings. The firm also assists those who want to request for modification of an existing child support agreement. Its other family law practice areas include divorce and separation, adoption, termination of parental rights, and grandparents' rights. The firm is headed by George Ruiz who practices both family and criminal law. He was recognized as the 2018 Rising Star by the American Institute of Legal Advocates.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
George Ruiz - Owner/AttorneyActive7 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.6 / 5 (246)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (52)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (45)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
4243 E. Piedras Dr. Suite 140, San Antonio, TX 78228
  • Visitation Rights
  • Child Custody
  • Parenting Time

Business Description

Since 2006, Roberson Duran Law has been offering legal counsel to clients in San Antonio. The firm handles family law issues like determining child support following a divorce. This includes computing the children's future expenses and setting the share between the spouses. The law office also handles other aspects of divorces, like property division and custody. It also offers estate planning services. Lead counsels Jaclyn Roberson and Laura Duran have more than three decades of combined legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Jaclyn Roberson - Founder/Senior PartnerActive20 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.1 / 5 (36)
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (13)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
334 W. Mistletoe Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Soulsby Law, a legal firm that serves the San Antonio metro, provides counsel in family law matters. The firm represents custodial and noncustodial parents in navigating child support concerns. Having helped hundreds of families, the firm's lawyers assist in requesting post-decree adjustments, negotiating settlements, and enforcing orders. They are also prepared in litigating child support cases if needed. Founder Kate Soulsby has a certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as a family law specialist.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Kate Soulsby - PrincipalActive17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.4 / 5 (45)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (24)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
620 North Flores Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Parenting Time
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Zarka Law Firm offers counsel and representation in San Antonio and nearby locations. It handles various aspects of family law, including child support cases. The legal office negotiates with parents on behalf of clients to determine their income that supports their children's day-to-day expenses. It also helps clients resolve various issues involving child custody, divorce, and property division. One of the firm's attorneys, Christina Tjerina Sepulveda, has been protecting the rights of families and children for over two decades.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Jennifer Zarka - PrincipalActive10 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (45)
Facebook
4.1 / 5 (28)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
4243 E Piedras Dr Ste 140, San Antonio, TX 78228

Business Description

Roberson Duran Law PLLC offers a wide range of legal support to clients in and around the greater San Antonio area, including child support. Its practice areas include mediation when possible; divorce and family law, including military and same-sex divorce, custody and support matters, and adoption and surrogacy agreements; and estate planning and probate. Roberson Duran Law PLLC is a woman-owned firm that prides itself on its inclusivity to clients of all lifestyles.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.1 / 5 (36)
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (13)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
542 E Highland Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78201
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Located in San Antonio, the law firm Sralla Rodriguez PLLC serves clients across the metro. It works on family law cases and assists parents in navigating the process of calculating child support payments. The firm also handles divorce cases and has experience with contested and uncontested divorce proceedings. It advises clients on other family law areas, including adoptions. Prior to practicing law, one of the firm's attorneys, Kevin "Buck" Sralla, had worked as a journalist for the McAllen-based newspaper The Monitor.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Kevin Sralla - PartnerActive18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.3 / 5 (38)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (17)
Avvo
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
405, South Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Carrington Smyth PLLC provides legal services to individuals in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. It assists former partners in modifying their child support and custody agreements and filing for SAPCR. The firm handles contested, uncontested, and common-law divorce cases along with matters involving criminal law. Its attorney, Lauren Carrington Smyth, received a client satisfaction award from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys in 2020. She has also been included in the Top 100 Criminal Defense list by the National Trial Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Lauren Smyth - PrincipalActive18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (94)
Google
4.3 / 5 (68)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
16607 Blanco Road #707, San Antonio, TX 78232
  • Child Custody

Business Description

The Law Office of Matt Sossi provides solutions to divorce and co-parenting matters and family law related issues in San Antonio. The firm guides clients in resolving disputes concerning child support with children's best interests in mind. Its lawyers enforce child support orders so that children receive the financial support needed. They also handle modifications of existing support orders, whether upward or downward, depending on parents' financial situation. Sossi, the principal, dedicates his 25 years of practice to family law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Matt Sossi - PrincipalActive31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.5 / 5 (63)
Avvo
3.4 / 5 (21)
Facebook
3.0 / 5 (7)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
14350 Northbrook Suite 240, San Antonio, TX 78232
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Mysti Murphy Law Firm offers legal assistance for families and individuals in San Antonio. The family law practice represents clients who have not been receiving child support payments or have been accused of not making payments. Its attorneys, who have over three decades of collective experience, also provide assistance in changing child support arrangements. Mysti Murphy Law Firm is headed by Mysti Murphy who was honored for exceptional and outstanding client service from 2015-2017 by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Mysti Mays - PrincipalActive25 yrs
Mysti Murphy - PrincipalActive25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (31)
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
924 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Soyars & Morgan Law is a firm that assists San Antonio families with conflicts about child support and custody. Its lawyers practice family law and advocate for civilian or military personnel clients facing divorce matters. They also provide counsel and representation to clients charged with DWI misdemeanors, felonies, intoxication manslaughter, and drug crimes. Its trial attorneys have a combined 30 years of legal industry experience. Jodi Soyars was among the Top 10 Female Family Law Attorneys in San Antonio awarded by the American Family Law Institute.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Jodi Soyars - PartnerActive22 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (95)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (25)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
2941 Mossrock, San Antonio, TX 78230
  • Child Custody

Business Description

The Law Office of Steven C. Benke serves clients in San Antonio and its surrounding areas. It provides a full range of legal services and client representation in the areas of family law, including child support and custody, adoption, divorce, and visitation rights. The firm's founder, Steven C. Benke, assists his clients by resolving challenges and exploring potential dispute resolutions in family law matters. Benke is a family law specialist certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Steven Benke - PrincipalActive25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.3 / 5 (188)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (54)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (40)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
14255 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
  • Child Custody

Business Description

The Law Offices of Keith Holloway handles child support cases for clients in San Antonio and the neighboring communities. The firm's lawyer, Keith Holloway, negotiates and mediates for clients in family law matters and takes their cases to trial if necessary. He accepts high-asset divorce, child support and custody, property division, and adoption cases. He represents clients in paternity lawsuits, protective orders, and domestic violence. In addition, he guides clients in making difficult legal decisions. Holloway has over two decades of experience in practicing law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Keith Holloway - Principal/Sole PractitionerActive29 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (61)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (11)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Visit WebsiteWebsite
1202 S. Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78210
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Espronceda Law handles a variety of family legal matters in the San Antonio metro, including child support. The firm solves child support disputes, negotiates payments and modifications, and guides families throughout the legal process. It also deals with cases such as divorce, child custody, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Jennifer Espronceda, the firm's sole attorney, has worked for a global law firm prior to opening her own practice. She has also taught at the University of Texas in San Antonio (UTSA).

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Jennifer Espronceda - PrincipalActive13 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (24)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a child support attorney do?

    A child support attorney is a specialized family law attorney who works primarily or solely on child support cases. These attorneys advocate for clients in a variety of situations, including seeking child support from a resistant partner, paying child support, or recalculating child support payment amounts. Often, child support law is an area of practice within a firm that also handles custody and visitation matters.

  • Can I file for child support without an attorney?

    It is possible to file for child support pro se, or on one’s own behalf. This involves obtaining the necessary forms from the local family court and filling out all required paperwork carefully and on time. The court will then set dates for hearings, which usually must be attended in person. Parents filing without a child support attorney should thoroughly research child support and custody laws to put together a compelling and accurate defense. If you already have a court order, you can seek help in enforcing it from the local office of your state child support agency.

  • What is child support used for?

    Child support is used to divide the financial responsibility for raising a child or children between two separated or divorced parents. This court-ordered payment is typically paid from the higher-income noncustodial parent to the lower-income custodial parent. It's intended to cover the costs of basic necessities for a minor and to maintain his or her standard of living. Child support may also be used to split unexpected expenses that occur during a minor's formative years. Definitions of basic necessities may vary by state.

  • When do child support payments start?

    The administrative order from the state agency or court overseeing the legal proceedings will specify the start date of child support payments and may include retroactive payments. Depending on the state and the case specifics, child support may become effective on the date of the separation, at the time of the legal filing, or on the child's birth date.

  • What is child support based on?

    How child support is calculated depends largely on the state of residence and whether custody is joint or sole. Although every case is unique, states may consider the following factors when determining the amount of child support:

    • Number of children involved
    • Allocation of parenting time
    • Total income
    • Spousal support
    • Social Security and other public benefits
    • Expenses for medical and dental insurance coverage
    • Childcare costs
  • What is included in child support?

    Child support funds are intended to pay for a child's essential needs. Child support attorneys may advocate as to what should and shouldn't be included in the order. The court may expressly define the expenses to be paid for to help both parties understand their responsibilities.

    Child support may include the following items and services:

    • Food
    • Shelter costs, including mortgage or rent, utilities, and furnishings
    • Medical expenses, such as medications, eyeglasses, and physician and dental care services
    • Childcare services
    • Educational expenses, including books, school supplies, uniforms, and field trip fees
    • Extracurricular activity costs, such as summer camps, art supplies, or sporting equipment
    • Entertainment costs
    • Transportation and travel expenses
  • How can I check if I owe child support?

    The court order outlines any obligations of child support. Additional questions about payments owed can be routed through the appropriate local child support office. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child Support Enforcement maintains a list of state agencies and tribal child support agencies throughout the United States and its territories.