Trusted Child Support Lawyers In Barre, Vermont
In Vermont, either parent can file for child support. This family court order helps parents provide financial stability for their children even after they have broken up or filed for divorce. If you are going through a similar situation, you need to ensure that you have a legal ally who can relentlessly fight for your rights and your best interests.
At Green Mountain Family Law, our Washington County child support attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience, helping parents across Barre, Vermont, navigate their child support cases and other family law matters with peace of mind. When you collaborate with our legal team, we will provide clarity to your financial concerns and guide you through the child support court process with care, so that you can make informed decisions that can positively benefit your case and your children’s welfare.
Understanding Child Support Processes In Vermont
In Vermont, separated parents with minor children must honor their child support obligations until their youngest child turns 18 or graduates from high school. These payments help establish financial stability for the children, and the noncustodial parents typically shoulder them.
To help the court determine the child support amount, it will follow the “income shares model” to calculate the paying parent’s total obligation cost. Under this principle, children of separated parents should receive the same financial support they would have received if their parents still lived together.
The calculation will be based on each parent’s gross monthly income, factored by the number of their children. Each parent will pay a percentage of the total obligation, with the parent who has primary custody over their children having a “custodial parent credit” for their direct, day-to-day expenses in the household.
If you are curious about your child support costs, you may use the Agency of Human Services’ Vermont Child Support Calculator to figure out an estimate. In Barre, Vermont, we can help both paying and receiving parents secure the best results that serve their needs and their children’s well-being.
What Can Happen If A Parent Does Not Pay Child Support On Time?
If you are the receiving parent and your ex-partner’s child support payment has been due for seven days or more, there are child support enforcement methods in Vermont that the Office of Child Support (OCE) can use. The most common method is wage withholding, where their overdue payments are deducted directly from their paychecks by their employer.
Depending on your specific situation, four other enforcement methods may include license suspension, asset seizure, credit bureau reporting, and state and federal tax refund interception.
Consult With Our Dedicated Vermont Child Support Lawyers Today
Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. If you need legal guidance with your child support order or child support modification case in Vermont, do not hesitate to reach out to our Barre office today at 802-858-8152 or use our online contact form to book a consultation with one of our child support attorneys. We serve individuals and families throughout Central Vermont.