In this final installment of our four-part series, we take a closer look at child support rulings.
When it comes to money, it’s easy to see any payment as a burden. We often feel powerless over our bills. This attitude can become a big problem when it comes to child support. At Singleton Smith Law Offices, Inc., we encourage you to take a positive approach to your child support payments.
Here Are Some Benefits to Paying Child Support
Child Support Payments Shouldn’t Be Oppressive
Imagine your life before the divorce, and try to calculate how much of your money went to the children. You may be surprised by how big the figure is.
When you receive your child support ruling, it may seem like a large chunk of money. However, when you compare it to what you were already paying, it should be close. If the ruling is way out of balance, putting you in a serious financial bind, something went wrong. Your attorney can help you appeal the decision, arguing for a more reasonable payment.
Both Parents Pay Child Support
This can be a difficult idea to understand, especially when you are overtly sending money to the other parent. Child support is based on the incomes of both parents.
For the time that the other parent has the children, the court assumes that they are spending money on them. You are simply supplementing those expenses.
Moreover, parents cannot spend child support money on themselves. That money is for the kids alone, and the court takes that order seriously. Parents can face legal consequences for misuse of child support.
Child Support Keeps You Involved
In our society, money is the means of survival. Paying child support allows you to directly contribute to your kids’ welfare. In this way, you can think of it as a privilege rather than an obligation.
How to Make Child Support Decisions
Up to this point, we’ve referenced court several times. Divorce can bring about hurt feelings and bitterness, and this often makes it impossible for spouses to work together. For them, court may be the only option.
However, you can always make child support decisions on your own. You and your spouse can bypass the court altogether and come up with a plan that works for you.
Whenever you make a divorce decision together, you should make sure an attorney looks it over. They can help you spot mistakes and potential problems within your plan.
For couples that need help negotiating, we recommend mediation. In this process, you hire a legal professional. This person works for both spouses and helps them negotiate fair solutions. You may not be able to get everything you want, but you will at least have an active choice in what happens after your divorce.
Our firm is here to help with any child support issues. We can assist with initial negotiations or necessary modifications. For a free consultation, call us at (951) 779-1610 or contact us online.