Child Custody & Support
Child Custody & Support Attorney in Huntsville, Alabama
In the State of Alabama, family law courts
base child custody decisions on what they believe to be in the best interest of the minor child or children concerned. In practice, this means that courts rely on both state statutes and on precedents set by previous child custody cases.
ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH DANIELS LAW, LLC
At the time of a divorce, both spouses enjoy the same right to custody of their minor children. Suzette Daniels of Daniels Law, LLC knows that if and when the spouses are unable to come to an agreement concerning custody, the court will make the final determination about custody, basing their decision on a number of different factors. These factors include the age and gender of the child concerned, as well as the needs of the child. The age, stability, character, and health of each parent and their interest in helping meet their child's needs are also considered. The nature of the relationship between each parent and the child, what kind of domestic environment each parent can provide for the child, and what the child's own preference may be, should they be capable of expressing it, are valued components, as well.
PHYSICAL CUSTODY VS. LEGAL CUSTODY
Alabama courts hold that it's in a minor child's best interest to have regular, continuing contact with both of their parents. This means that they will tend to award joint custody whenever possible. This is true of both physical custody and legal custody.
Physical custody, of course, refers to where a child resides and is closely linked to visitation issues and parenting plans. Legal custody, on the other hand, determines what parent makes important decisions about a child's upbringing, including where they attend school, go to church, and receive medical care. Although it's usually the court's preference to grant joint custody, there may be circumstances under which a court chooses to award sole physical and/or legal custody instead. This includes not only situations in which child abuse, drug use, or other unacceptable behavior is involved, but also those in which one of the parents is concerned. Some of which may be that of objection to joint custody, proving unable to communicate respectfully with the other parent concerned, inability to foster a harmonious relationship between their child and the other parent, and living too far away from the other parent
Physical custody, of course, refers to where a child resides and is closely linked to visitation issues and parenting plans. Legal custody, on the other hand, determines what parent makes important decisions about a child's upbringing, including where they attend school, go to church, and receive medical care. Although it's usually the court's preference to grant joint custody, there may be circumstances under which a court chooses to award sole physical and/or legal custody instead. This includes not only situations in which child abuse, drug use, or other unacceptable behavior is involved, but also those in which one of the parents is concerned. Some of which may be that of objection to joint custody, proving unable to communicate respectfully with the other parent concerned, inability to foster a harmonious relationship between their child and the other parent, and living too far away from the other parent
AN EXPERIENCED CHILD CUSTODY LAWYER FOR HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA
A good attorney can help you secure a child custody order that truly reflects what is in the minor children's best interest. Besides preparing the substantial paperwork involved in your legal matter, as your attorney, I can present the facts of your case accurately and concisely in court. Please contact my office for a consultation.
CHILD SUPPORT
UNDERSTANDING ALABAMA'S CHILD SUPPORT LAWS
In the State of Alabama, family law judges tend to adhere to established state guidelines when establishing child support orders - although, they may choose to deviate from these guidelines if circumstances demand it. Most of the time, once an order has been established, the employer of the paying parent is legally required to withhold the appropriate amount from their paycheck and route it to the non-paying parent.
If you live in the State of Alabama and need help with establishing, enforcing, or modifying a support order, pick up the phone and contact an experienced Alabama child support attorney at Daniels Law, LLC as soon as possible. As your child support lawyer can help you review your legal options and get you on the right track when it comes to getting your child the financial assistance they need.
If you live in the State of Alabama and need help with establishing, enforcing, or modifying a support order, pick up the phone and contact an experienced Alabama child support attorney at Daniels Law, LLC as soon as possible. As your child support lawyer can help you review your legal options and get you on the right track when it comes to getting your child the financial assistance they need.
HOW ALABAMA COURTS CALCULATE CHILD SUPPORT
It is the non-custodial parent who is obligated to provide support for a couple's minor children. In order to establish an equitable child support order, the court starts by adding up the respective incomes of the parents concerned.
In accordance with the guidelines for determining child support as decided by the Supreme Court of Alabama, the court then determines the appropriate child support amount based on this total income amount and on the number of children involved. This amount is then adjusted to account for health insurance costs and work-related childcare expenses. The court assigns a portion of the support amount to the non-custodial parent according to what portion of income they contribute to the total.
In accordance with the guidelines for determining child support as decided by the Supreme Court of Alabama, the court then determines the appropriate child support amount based on this total income amount and on the number of children involved. This amount is then adjusted to account for health insurance costs and work-related childcare expenses. The court assigns a portion of the support amount to the non-custodial parent according to what portion of income they contribute to the total.
HOW DO YOU GET CHILD SUPPORT
The custodial parent receives income
from the non-custodial parent to help pay for the child's health insurance,
daycare costs, and other living expenses. Child support, like child custody, is
secured through the courts. The custodial parent may be a parent, grandparent, another
relative or, in some cases, a third party unrelated to the minor child. Please call my
office for an appointment so that I can discuss with you more about the process
of obtaining a child support order in the State of Alabama.
EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS OF EXISTING CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS
Child support is generally required until a couple's child turns 19. However, support may be extended if circumstances warrant it. Also, if the income of either parent changes significantly, it may become appropriate to seek a modification of an existing order.
For example, if the existing guidelines differ by 10% or more from the amount of child support a parent is paying based on the original order, they have the right to request a modification. As your child support lawyer, I can tell you more about how extensions and modifications work under Alabama law.
Although it can be difficult to modify the terms of an existing order, a good family law lawyer can guide you through the process and help you put a new one in place that better reflects the new reality of your situation. If you need help modifying an existing court order or with any other family law issue, contact Daniels Law, LLC today to schedule an appointment with me.
For example, if the existing guidelines differ by 10% or more from the amount of child support a parent is paying based on the original order, they have the right to request a modification. As your child support lawyer, I can tell you more about how extensions and modifications work under Alabama law.
Although it can be difficult to modify the terms of an existing order, a good family law lawyer can guide you through the process and help you put a new one in place that better reflects the new reality of your situation. If you need help modifying an existing court order or with any other family law issue, contact Daniels Law, LLC today to schedule an appointment with me.
LET A COMPASSIONATE HUNTSVILLE CHILD SUPPORT ATTORNEY HELP YOU GET THE MONEY YOU ARE OWED
Ask me about how Alabama's guidelines may apply to your own situation and what your legal options are when it comes to establishing, enforcing, or modifying an order.
For more information about the type of services we can offer you, or if you have further questions on statutes or case law, please feel free to call Daniels Law, LLC today at 256-518-9494.
For more information about the type of services we can offer you, or if you have further questions on statutes or case law, please feel free to call Daniels Law, LLC today at 256-518-9494.
EMAIL:
suzette@danielslawllc.com
PHONE:
256-518-9494
HOURS OF OPERATION:
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed