When it comes to divorce, men arguably get the short end of the stick. Although the tide has slowly started to shift over the past several years, men still aren’t necessarily favored during the divorce proceedings. This reality can be even more difficult to handle when children are involved. When children are involved, one of the biggest topics during the divorce will be child support. Many fathers feel mistreated during the child support portion of the proceedings and tend to have a number of unanswered questions. Let’s address a few of these concerns to help you and your Divorce Attorney in Northport.
First of all, how long do you actually have to pay child support? You generally only have to pay child support up until your child is no longer a minor, which in most cases is when they turn 18 years old. However, the need for child support payments may cease if the child decides to join the military. Sometimes, ex-spouses will remarry, and the stepparent will make attempts to adopt the child and become their new legal parent. This process legally terminates your parental rights, and therefore there’s no need for you to continue paying child support.
Some fathers feel that if they were never married to the child’s mother, they shouldn’t be required to provide financial support to the child. Although this might make sense to some, the law sees it much differently. The condition of marriage doesn’t dictate whether or not you’re obligated to provide financial support to your child. Since you played a part in bringing the child into the world, you bare the responsibility of providing financial support. In some cases, you don’t have to even be blood-related to be considered the father of the child. If the child was born, and you considered the child to be your own, you’ve established that you’re the child’s parent.
The amount of support that a father is required to pay is usually the most talked about thing. Each state has guidelines that they follow in order to determine an amount. States usually factor in your current income and the expenses related to the child. It’s the goal of the states to make sure the child continues living the life they had before the divorce, and that the child receives the care and support he or she needs. Consult with a Divorce Attorney in Northport for more information.
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