Helena Child Support Lawyer

Child Support Attorney in Helena, MT

Going through a divorce can be a major stressor for everyone involved. If you have children, then the stress can multiply significantly. Securing financial support and security for your children is paramount. Whether you are required to pay child support or need help collecting it, a Helena child support lawyer can help you.

How We Can Help

With years of experience, our firm is dedicated to providing sound legal advice and guidance through the child support process. As Helena family lawyers, we have an in-depth understanding of Montana’s child support laws and can answer your questions with clarity and reliability.

Because we have experience with child support cases in Helena, Montana, we are able to provide not only knowledge of the process but also an empathetic and supportive ear throughout the process. If you aren’t sure where to start, need help collecting from your ex, or want to modify current child support payments, we’re here to fight for you.

Child Support Laws in Montana

In the United States, less than half of custodial parents have a child support order for financial assistance from the noncustodial parent. You don’t have to be one of them. Montana follows specific administrative rules when it comes to determining child support. To determine child support, they look at:

• Each parent’s gross income
• The number of children
• Time spent with the children
• Tax deductions
• Mandatory retirement contributions
• Health insurance premiums
• Childcare costs

In some cases, other factors need to be weighed, including expensive medical needs and costs, educational expenses, and the child’s own financial resources.

Because some cases can be complex, having a child support attorney who understands the ins and outs of Montana’s laws can be invaluable as you navigate the process. Mediation is a major part of determining child support because it can be useful to have an unbiased third party.

Child Support Enforcement

In the United States, 24.5% of people who were supposed to receive child support didn’t get a payment. Montana uses the Montana Child Support Enforcement Division (MCSED) to ensure payments are made. They have multiple ways to enforce payments, including:

• Redirecting wages
• Using tax refunds
• Reporting to credit bureaus
• Suspending a driver’s license
• Placing property liens

If you’re struggling to receive child support, a child support attorney can fiercely fight for you to ensure you receive what your child needs. Nonpayment can lead to serious consequences, like criminal charges. These can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how long the children have been without support and how much is owed.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer

An experienced child support lawyer can make a major difference in a child support case. Not only can they answer any questions and be a fierce and empathetic advocate, but they also have the ability to:

• Ensure child support calculations are done correctly
• Gather financial documents, like tax returns and pay stubs
• Help you fill out financial declaration forms and make sure they’re turned in on time
• Initiate discovery, request documents, and issue subpoenas
• Negotiate aggressively on your behalf
• Represent you in court, either at the Municipal Court on Fuller Avenue or elsewhere
• Petition for a child support modification if your income or circumstances change

This is only a partial list of what a child support attorney can do to help you through this process. If you’re in need of guidance through the complicated web of child support, then having an attorney on your side can make a big difference.

FAQs

What Not to Say in Child Support Court?

During a child support hearing, it’s important to remain calm and thoughtful. Emotions can run high during this type of hearing, so remain focused on the task and show respect to everyone in the courtroom without being argumentative.

Present your financial situation with clarity and honesty, and answer the questions simply without volunteering unnecessary information that can complicate the case, like the reason you separated or personal conflicts with the other parent. Your Helena child support attorney can provide guidance.

What Is the Average Child Support in Montana?

The average child support in Montana is $612. Montana currently ranks number 32 in the nation when it comes to the average amount paid. Massachusetts ranks number 1 at $1,187 per month, and Virginia ranks last at $402. This number can vary widely, however.

Child support in Montana is determined by how much is necessary to meet the child’s needs and how much each parent is capable of contributing. Montana has a specific formula for determining the amount.

How Much Child Support Will I Pay if I Make $1,000 a Week in Montana?

If you make $1000 per week in Montana, then calculating your child support payment might be easy, unless there are other factors involved. Montana has clear guidelines when it comes to calculating child support that involve more than just how much you make per week. These factors can include tax deductions, number of children, health insurance premiums, and more.

Speaking with an experienced child support attorney can help you get a better picture of how much you might owe.

Which States Are Toughest on Child Support?

When looking at which states are the toughest, it might be easiest to look at which states require the most in child support. Massachusetts has the highest child support payments in the country, followed closely by Nevada and New Hampshire.

The state you live in can dramatically impact how much you pay. A parent in one state might pay twice as much as someone in another state. Montana ranks thirty-second with an average monthly support payment of $612.

Contact Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC Today

Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC are passionate about helping you navigate the complex and emotional child support payment process. We provide services to people in the entire state of Montana and are dedicated to each of our clients. If you are looking for someone with experience in child support and who is ready to go to bat for you, you’ve found the right place.

Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.