Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Child Support Attorneys
If you are divorcing with children, you may be struggling to come to terms with all the ways your life will change in the near future — and for years to come. Uncertainty about child support may be just one aspect of your current dilemma, but it is very important to take it into account as you decide how to proceed with your divorce and planning for life afterward.
At the Law Office of Emily G. Johnston, we counsel and represent people across the social spectrum on all aspects of divorce and family law. Our lawyers are experienced, financially savvy, helpful and thorough. In an initial consultation, we can address the issue of child support as it applies in your specific circumstances — including the impact of the child custody arrangement you decide to seek or accept.
Understanding Child Support Guidelines, and Applying Them to Your Situation
South Carolina has statewide guidelines for determining how much child support a non-custodial parent will be ordered to pay. Major factors in the two formulas — one for sole custody and one for joint ("shared") custody arrangements — include:
- The number of children requiring support
- The incomes of each parent
- Health insurance and work-related child care costs
Protecting Your Rights when Deviations Come Into Play
Guidelines take guesswork out of the equation, but they are not the final word. There are also a variety of circumstances that can justify deviations from the basic formula. Examples are special needs of children, obligations to support other children, or a major disparity in income between the parents.
In addition to helping you forecast your child support expectation or obligation, our attorneys can play a pivotal role in ensuring that any deviation from guidelines in your case is fair to you. We have extensive experience representing high-income earners and divorcing spouses, for example, and the ability to protect your interests deftly when such a deviation is sought.
Call 866-674-6067 to Arrange an Informative Consultation
We handle divorce mediation and litigation for people throughout the Charleston, South Carolina, area. Our firm also assists people who need help with child support modifications or enforcement, and cases with questions involving paternity and visitation. To request an initial consultation focused on your specific needs and goals, please contact us today.
