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In Fort Wayne, United States, Child Support laws hold both parents responsible for the financial support of their child until that child reaches the age of 19, graduates from high school, marries, or becomes emancipated. The non-custodial parent is typically required to pay a specific amount to the custodial parent, as a contribution towards child-related expenses. Factors such as the parents’ income, child-care costs, medical needs, and the child's standard of living before the parents' separation are considered in setting the child support amount.
Legal help may become necessary in several situations such as establishing the paternity of your child, ensuring the child support amount is fairly decided, enforcing child support order in case of non-payment, and helping modify the child support amount when circumstances have changed significantly for either parent. A lawyer can also help in dealing with other parties such as the Child Support enforcement agency, or the court.
In Fort Wayne, the amount of child support owed is calculated based on the Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines. The guidelines consider various factors such as adjusted gross income of both parents, cost of health insurance, daycare expenses, and number of overnight stays each parent has with the child. Frequent updates to these guidelines necessitate legal experts who stay abreast with the changes for accurate and fair child support orders.
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) can take several enforcement actions, such as wage garnishments, intercepting tax refunds, suspending licenses, or even filing contempt of court actions.
Yes, you can request a modification if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances that would cause at least a 20% change in the amount of support due.
Inability to pay doesn't exempt you from your obligations. However, if your financial circumstances have changed significantly, you may petition the courts for a modification of the child support order.
Paternity can be established through a Paternity Affidavit, which can be signed at the hospital within 72 hours of childbirth, or at the local health department. Alternatively, either parent can file a paternity petition in court.
Remarriage itself doesn’t affect child support orders. However, if it substantially changes the financial situation of the parent, it may be a ground for modification.
The Indiana Department of Child Support services is an invaluable resource for all child support matters. You may also use the Child Support Calculator provided by the Indiana Judiciary to estimate your child support obligations. Local child support agencies and legal aid offices, such as the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, may provide further assistance and information.
Should you need legal assistance in Child Support, your first step would be consulting with a local attorney specializing in Child Support laws. They will help you understand your obligations and rights, help enforce or modify orders as your situation evolves, and aid in navigating complex legal processes.
