Child support lawyer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What child support lawyer is

A child support lawyer provides information about support obligations and may represent a parent in setting, changing or enforcing an order. Parents look for one when support is unpaid, when income or custody changes, or when a case is first opened. General information only, with no promised outcome.

Signs you need it

  • The other parent is not paying support as ordered
  • Your income, job or expenses changed and the current order no longer fits
  • A support case has been opened and you do not understand the paperwork
  • The parenting schedule changed and you want to know how that relates to support
  • You have no order yet and need to start a support case
  • You are being asked to pay support and want to review how it was calculated

What the pro does

  • Review any existing order, payment history and income information for both parents
  • Explain how support is generally calculated in your state, using the state's guidelines
  • Prepare and file requests to set, change or enforce support
  • Gather pay stubs, tax returns, and records of childcare and health insurance costs
  • Represent you at administrative or court hearings and in negotiations
  • Explain enforcement tools the agency or court may use, in general terms

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether you are setting a new order, changing one, or enforcing one
  • Whether both parents agree on income and the schedule
  • How complex the income is, such as self employment or several jobs
  • Whether the other parent lives in a different state
  • Whether the case goes through an agency process or a court
  • The number of hearings required
  • How many records must be gathered and reviewed

What a written quote should spell out

  • The billing method and retainer terms
  • The tasks covered, such as filing, hearings or enforcement steps
  • Costs billed separately, such as filing and service fees
  • Whether the lawyer will handle an agency proceeding as well as court
  • How you will be updated on the case

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you handle both setting and enforcing support in this county?
  • What income records and payment history do you need from me?
  • Is there a state agency process that I should know about before filing?
  • How do changes to the parenting schedule connect to support in this state?
  • What can I do if the other parent has no regular paycheck?
  • Is my case suitable for limited help, such as reviewing the calculation?

Red flags

  • A lawyer who promises a certain support amount
  • Advice to stop paying or to hide income
  • No written explanation of how fees will be charged
  • A lawyer who does not ask for any income documents before giving a view

What you can do yourself

You can gather pay stubs, tax returns, childcare and insurance records and a payment history, and you can read your state's published guidelines and self help forms. Speak with a licensed attorney before filing a change, when income is hard to document, or when the other parent lives in another state.

Licenses and permits

Child support lawyers must be licensed attorneys in good standing. Check the license with the state bar.

Child support lawyer questions

Can a lawyer tell me what support will be?

A lawyer can explain how your state's guidelines work, but cannot promise a specific result.

Can an order be changed?

Orders can often be reviewed when circumstances change. The rules depend on your state, and a licensed attorney can explain them.

Do I need a lawyer if the state agency is already involved?

Not always. A lawyer can explain your rights and review the paperwork if you are unsure.

What if the other parent moves away?

Cases across state lines follow special rules. A licensed attorney can explain what applies.

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