Gonzales Child Support Lawyer

Gonzales Child Support Attorney

Louisiana child support laws provide a framework for parents to figure out how to continue caring for their child once they are no longer living together. Making these big decisions can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to go through everything on your own. Fortunately, a Gonzales child support lawyer can help you through the process, so you can rest assured you’re making the right choice for yourself and your child.

Christopher J. Bridges, Attorney at Law, has over two and a half decades of experience navigating family law matters, including child custody disputes and divorce cases. We’re confident we can help you figure out the right path forward. We have experience settling matters through negotiations as well as litigation. You can count on us to use our knowledge and experience to fight on your behalf. The needs of our clients come first. We know how impactful the outcomes of family law cases can be.

Child Support Cases in Gonzales, LA

When parents separate, they must make important decisions about what their family is going to be like in their new reality. Louisiana has a fairly low divorce rate compared to the national average, coming in at about 0.9 per 1,000 people. In Ascension Parish specifically, about 11 percent of men and eight percent of women are divorced.

Some divorce cases simply involve separating assets, while others are more involved, especially when children are involved. Child support orders in Louisiana can last until the child turns 18 years old. Approximately 30 percent of people living in Ascension Parish are children under the age of 18.

There are a handful of different parties that may be eligible to receive child support benefits. This includes custodial parents, divorced parents, non-married parents, and other legal guardians. To calculate child support, Louisiana law uses a shared income model to determine how much each parent makes.

Louisiana child support laws presume that shared custody is in the best interest of the child. In shared custody cases, child support is calculated without any allowances or adjustments.

If one parent is granted sole custody, the courts determine how much each parent pays by calculating their income and adjusting for any costs they already take care of regarding the child. Child support covers key areas of a child’s life and well-being, including:

• Basic living expenses
• Childcare
• Education
• Healthcare
• Any other needs

Parents are responsible for their children until they become adults, which is why it’s pertinent to understand your options if you’re separating or getting divorced and need to determine how to continue caring for your child. A Gonzales child support attorney from Christopher J. Bridges, Attorney at Law, can help you figure all this out, so you’re not left in the dark.

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Call Christopher J. Bridges, Attorney at Law 225-644-7250

Hire a Child Support Lawyer

It’s possible for you and your co-parent to establish child support orders without the help of a Gonzales child support attorney, but it can make the process more complicated. When you hire a child support lawyer, you can focus on the bigger picture while they ensure you complete each step of the process correctly and thoroughly.

Christopher J. Bridges, Attorney at Law, has been in business for over 25 years. We have experience representing clients in Louisiana state courts and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Louisiana. Beyond that, we’ve helped countless families settle their legal matters out of court through arbitration and mediation.

FAQs

What’s Involved in the Process of Creating a Child Support Order in Gonzales?

Determining child support can look different for every family. Some parents are prepared with a plan and simply need it finalized, while others require extra work through negotiations. The process typically starts with calculating both parents’ income and determining their current financial responsibilities regarding the child. From there, you can reach a fair decision about how much each parent must pay.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Gonzales?

Louisiana uses a shared income model to determine how much a parent owes in child support. Each parent has a basic obligation for child support based on the proportion of their combined income. This amount is adjusted to reflect any additional expenses. The goal is to maintain the child’s quality of life that they would have if their parents were still together. Custodial and non-custodial parents have different obligations, and situations can vary depending on everyone’s income.

Do I Need to Hire a Child Support Lawyer to Settle an Order in Gonzales?

You’re not obligated to hire a child support lawyer, but without one, you are going to be expected to understand Louisiana child support laws and how to finalize an agreement that meets all your needs. This can be challenging to navigate on your own, especially because emotions are often closely involved when it comes to making decisions about your child. A Gonzales child support attorney can keep you on track and ensure you understand all your legal options.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Gonzales?

The cost to hire a child support lawyer in Gonzales will depend on the circumstances of your case, the experience of the lawyer, and whether your case requires litigation. To understand the costs associated with your case, it is recommended to discuss the details with your lawyer during an initial consultation. No matter the costs, the results of working with an attorney far outweigh those without one.

Gonzales Child Support Lawyer

Creating and establishing child support orders is an important task, so it’s important that you do it right. Even if you expect everything to proceed smoothly with the other parent, it’s wise to have a Gonzales child support attorney on your side to help you through the process.

Christopher J. Bridges, Attorney at Law, brings decades of experience to the table. Our team is ready to help you navigate your case, so you can focus on the future for you and your child. If you’re ready to discuss your case, contact us to set up an appointment with a trusted child support attorney today.