Child Support

Fair Treatment in Financial Support for Children

Wilmington and Newark, Delaware Divorce and Child Support Lawyers

Child support can be a very contentious aspect of divorce, even when parents agree on custody and division of assets. Although determined by the state guidelines, issues arise over the accurate reporting of income, childcare expenses, private school tuition or the appropriate level of support in a complicated custody situation.

The experienced attorneys of Rahaim & Saints apply their extensive knowledge of the statutes to protect your financial interests and ensure that the court makes a fair determination. We also handle later modifications of child support. Contact us today to arrange a consultation at our Wilmington or Delaware offices.

Child Support Determination

The Child Support Guidelines are straightforward about the amount of child support the non-custodial parent must pay. The amount of financial support is based on the income of both parents, childcare and private school expenses as well as the custody arrangement. Typically, support is reduced in 10 percent increments for various levels of parenting time. (In a true shared custody arrangement, the parent with the higher income still pays some support).

If you believe the non-custodial parent is not revealing income from all sources (for example, a self-employed spouse), our lawyers are adept at income tracing. We use formal discovery in divorce proceedings, as well as subpoenas and outside forensic accountants if necessary, to uncover any shielded income or assets.

If the party will not pay child support obligations, or is deliberately unemployed or underemployed, we consult with vocational experts to determine the parent's earning capacity. We can petition to court to attribute income and compel the appropriate level of support through garnishment, liens or contempt proceedings.

We can represent either parent in modification hearings to increase or decrease the amount of child support because of a substantial change in circumstances (increased health care costs, job loss, promotion, child reaching emancipation age).

The courts and our attorneys believe that financial support is a duty, and that it should be fair under the law. We vigorously represent the interests of women or men throughout Delaware. Call our Wilmington office (302-892-9200) and Newark office (302-832-1800) today to schedule an appointment.