Spokane Child Support Lawyer

Advocating For Fair Child Support in Washington

Child support is one of the most contentious issues faced in all divorces involving children. Whether you are the “monied” spouse who will have to pay child support or you are the spouse who will receive this support, you need a strong advocate to protect your rights as well as the best interests of the children.

Schedule your free consultation with a trusted Spokane child support lawyer today! Call us at (509) 652-3330 or reach out online to discuss your family law needs.

Washington State Child Support Laws

Like most states, Washington clearly defines the laws and the considerations used to determine who will pay child support in a divorce and how much they will pay. Our family law attorneys have the experience and knowledge that allow us to use these laws to give our clients a reasonably accurate understanding of what they can expect. 

Child support arrangements are largely based off of three factors:

• The residential schedule of the child custody agreement
• The respective incomes of both parents
• Any special needs the children may have that add to the costs of support

We understand the laws of child support, and we know the circumstances that the court will use to consider deviations from the Washington child support guidelines. We will use this experience and knowledge to protect your interests.

Establishing Child Support in Spokane

Establishing child support typically begins when a parent files a petition with the court. If the parents are unmarried, child support is often addressed during a paternity case or as part of a child custody and visitation dispute. For married couples, child support is often established during the divorce process. A Spokane child support attorney can assist with filing the necessary paperwork, representing your interests, and negotiating a fair child support arrangement.

Once the petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. During this hearing, both parents will present information about their income and any other factors that should influence the child support amount. The judge will review the information and issue a child support order, which will be legally binding.

In cases involving child custody disputes, child support and custody issues may be resolved simultaneously, but child support will still be calculated based on the income of both parents, regardless of custody arrangements. A Spokane child support lawyer can help advocate for your parental rights while ensuring that your child’s needs are met through the child support process.

Understanding Child Support Modification

Life circumstances can change, and sometimes the child support agreement that was initially established may no longer be feasible. Whether you are the paying or receiving parent, it's important to understand that child support orders can be modified under certain circumstances. Our experienced Spokane child support lawyers can help you navigate the process of seeking a modification to ensure that the child support arrangement reflects your current financial situation.

Common reasons for seeking a child support modification include:

• Change in income
• Change in employment status
• Change in the child's needs
• Change in custody or visitation arrangement
• Healthcare or medical expenses

At Maxey Law Office, we are committed to advocating for fair and reasonable child support arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child. Contact us today to learn more about your options for child support modification.

Enforcing Child Support Payments

When a parent fails to make child support payments, enforcement actions can be taken to ensure the support order is upheld. In Washington, the Division of Child Support (DCS) is responsible for enforcing child support orders. This agency can take several actions to collect overdue child support, including wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, and even suspending a parent’s driver’s license.

Local Support and Resources for Child Support in Spokane

Living in Spokane, you know that navigating child support issues can be challenging, especially with the unique economic and social dynamics of our community. At Maxey Law Office, we understand the local landscape and are here to help you through every step of the process.

Spokane County residents can benefit from various local government resources, such as the Spokane County Superior Court and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). These entities provide valuable information and support for parents dealing with child support matters. While we are not directly affiliated with these organizations, we can guide you on how to utilize their resources effectively.

One common pain point for Spokane families is the fluctuating job market, which can impact income stability. Whether you work in healthcare, education, or the service industry, changes in employment status can significantly affect your ability to meet child support obligations. Our team is well-versed in handling modifications to child support agreements, ensuring they reflect your current financial situation.

Additionally, Spokane's diverse community means that many families face unique challenges, such as managing healthcare costs or accommodating special needs. We are familiar with these local issues and can advocate for adjustments in child support to address these specific needs.

At Maxey Law Office, we pride ourselves on our deep understanding of Spokane's community and the specific challenges you face. Our goal is to provide personalized legal support that prioritizes the well-being of your children and ensures fair child support arrangements.

Why Choose Our Child Support Lawyer in Spokane From Maxey Law Office?

With more than 30 years of experience, Maxey Law Office PLLC has built a reputation as a law firm you can trust. Our best advertisement is a job well done, and we give every client’s legal issue our complete focus and attention. Our Spokane child support lawyers can help you through complicated and often contentious child support issues.

Child support arrangements are created along certain guidelines, but everyone’s situation is different. For a consultation with a Spokane family law attorney, call (509) 652-3330 or contact us online.