Livingston Child Support Lawyer

Livingston Child Support Attorney

When it comes to making legal decisions regarding your child, it’s imperative to understand the laws and how they pertain to your situation—and that’s only half the battle. Louisiana child support laws are fairly straightforward, but that doesn’t mean navigating through a case is going to be easy. That’s why it’s recommended to secure counsel from a Livingston child support lawyer.

The good news for local Louisianans is that there are some dedicated and passionate Livingston child support lawyers located right here at Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC. Our team brings decades of experience handling family legal matters throughout the state. We’re comfortable navigating complex negotiations and handling cases through the Livingston Parish District Court if things escalate. No matter what happens, you can count on us to be by your side.

Child Support Cases in Louisiana

Louisiana child support laws stand to affect a significant portion of the population. A total of $415,630,930 in support payments was collected through Louisiana Child Support Enforcement (CSE) in fiscal year 2023-24 alone. Approximately 4,700,000 people currently reside in the state, including over 1,600,000 children under the age of 18.

Child support laws exist to ensure children are cared for regardless of the circumstances in which they’re born. Under Louisiana child support laws, both parents must support their children regardless of marital status.

You can expect Louisiana judges to make decisions about child support based on the best interest of the child in any case.  There are many factors that may influence the total amount of child support a parent can receive, which is determined by a specific child support calculation, including:

• Both parents’ incomes
• Existing support obligations
• Needs of the children
• Number of children
• Parenting time
• Standard of living
• Any additional expenses

The good news is you can settle most child support cases without going to court. As you and your child’s co-parent navigate the mediation process and negotiate a fair deal, it’s important to remember that your child’s wants and needs are the foundation of your plan. The court must still approve the order even if you don’t establish it through litigation. It’s important to know that this initial order is not necessarily permanent, as you can seek a modification of a child support order if there’s a significant change in circumstances.

About Our Livingston Child Support Attorneys

If you’re going to hire a child support lawyer, you might as well hire a local one who is a part of your community. Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC opened our doors on Bluebonnet Boulevard in Baton Rouge in 2000, and we’ve been helping local Louisiana families through complex legal matters ever since.

Situated right off Interstate 10, we’re conveniently located for locals and those traveling from the parish over, too. Moreover, as a local family law firm, we’re familiar with navigating cases through the Family Division in the 21st Judicial District Court System. That means that you can count on us to stay by your side to represent your interests if mediation is unsuccessful and your case goes to court.

With decades of successful cases under our belt—and many 5-star reviews from our happy clients to prove it—Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC is ready to help you through any challenge. You can count on us for honest counsel, personalized advice, and the aggressive advocacy you deserve.

FAQs

What Are Louisiana’s Child Support Laws?

Louisiana’s child support laws place responsibility on the parents of a child to provide the support they need, regardless of their family situation. These laws are administered through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and function to reduce the overall dependence of children on public assistance.

Under Louisiana child support laws, any parent or person responsible for a child can request child support from a co-parent. Courts make final decisions based on the child’s best interest.

Do I Have to Hire a Child Support Lawyer to Establish or Modify an Order in Livingston?

You do not have to hire a child support lawyer to establish or modify an order in Livingston. However, it can be highly beneficial to work with an attorney when navigating these types of matters.

Child support cases can be emotionally and logistically challenging even when both parents want to work together. A child support lawyer can help keep things on track, negotiate terms on your behalf, and represent your interests in court if it comes down to it.

What Is the Cost of Hiring a Child Custody Lawyer in Livingston?

The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer in Livingston is not going to be the same for every case. You can expect an attorney to charge for their services based on the time and resources your case requires.

You can usually discuss all of this upfront in order to make an informed decision about your legal representation. You can expect to pay a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer when you hire a child custody lawyer.

How Do I Enforce a Child Support Order in Livingston?

There are many ways to enforce a child support order in Livingston. Over 65 percent of child support payments in Louisiana are collected through income assignment, which essentially withdraws the money directly from the responsible party’s paychecks.

Child Support Enforcement (CSE) can also intercept funds through tax refunds, casino, lottery, or tax betting prizes. They may also suspend the co-parent’s driver’s license, professional licenses, or recreational licenses, deny passport capabilities, and hold them in contempt of court.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Livingston in More Detail

Child support cases can be complicated both emotionally and logistically. It’s important to keep your child at the forefront of your mind as you navigate the process and have a clear plan in place that makes sense for your family going forward. This can be a lot to take on on your own, which is why it’s recommended to hire a child custody lawyer.

With a Livingston child custody attorney from Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC on your side, you can breeze through your case and move on to the next chapter of your life with the support you and your child deserve. If you’re ready to talk to a lawyer, contact the office to schedule an initial appointment with a member of our team today.