Simplifying the child support process

It can be difficult to compel your child’s other parent to pay child support, regardless of what is ordered in family court. Especially when there is a history of disputes or disagreements between the parents, actually receiving court-ordered child support payments on time and without coercion is often impossible. Short of going back to family court to seek a contempt ruling, there are a few things that parents can do to ensure that child support payments are made on time and without drama.

First, parents should try to come to an agreement about child support long before their Las Vegas family court judge makes his or her final ruling. Work together to come up with a system that works for both of you, and be proactive about preventing any potential problems down the road. In addition, make sure to establish paternity or legal fatherhood long before your child support case is decided. This will prevent any paternity challenges or attempts to use paternity to evade child support in the future.

Second, work to maintain a good relationship with the other parent. If you get along well and have showed that you are flexible and willing to work with them for the good of your child, it will likely be much easier to resolve any child support disputes that may arise. In addition, stay up to date on the other parent’s location. Working out a child support issue will be much quicker and simpler if you know how to contact the other parent.

Finally, parents should be educated on the relevant child support laws in your jurisdiction, as well as all the details included in the court’s child support order. If you have this knowledge, you will be much more prepared to deal with any child support dispute that should arise.

Source: FindLaw, “Top 5 Tips to Get Your Child Support Payments,” Cynthia Hsu, August 3, 2011