When couples separate, whether married or not, one parent is usually the custodial parent. Minor children live with the custodial parent most of the time, who makes the majority of health and education decisions. The non-custodial parent usually visits the child on weekends, often, also, during the week and, in most instances, they are the ones who pay child support. Some parents agree on a child support amount and others do not. Non-custodial parents who find themselves heading for court should hire an attorney.
Parents who pay child support in Washington, Indiana can visit website to learn more about the process because having an experienced attorney is important to make sure your rights are protected. Indiana uses a formula based on both parents’ income to determine child support which works as a calculator that takes into account the gross income of the parents and the number of children involved. Non-custodial parents may receive credit for child support they are paying in other cases. Likewise, the cost of health care insurance is factored into the calculations and, once an amount is set, the non-custodial parent must pay monthly. If they do not pay child support in Washington, Indiana, the other parent can take them to court.
There are two ways to enforce a child support order. The custodial parent can register the order with Child Support Enforcement and an agency, usually the DA’s office, prosecutes the case for the custodial parent. Child Support Enforcement offices have a number of ways to make parents pay, including:
* Suspending the driver’s license.
* Suspending any state license.
* Intercepting state and federal income tax refunds.
* Revoking passport privileges.
A private attorney can petition the court to hold a parent in contempt. Judges have the power to incarcerate parents until they pay but they prefer not to so the parent can keep their job. There is a tool in place for parents who need the child support amount lowered because, sometimes, parents lose their job or find themselves making less money so, their attorney may ask the court for a modification of child support. It is hard to come up with child support laws that are fair to everyone. Nonetheless, the important thing is that children are provided for.
