Lafayette Modifications Lawyer

Lafayette Modifications Attorney

When it comes to child support or custody modifications, decisive legal action is important to make sure everyone is treated fairly, especially the children involved. Work with a Lafayette modifications lawyer to help educate you on what the appropriate action would be for your custody or support circumstances.

Ethical Legal Standards

The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC is based in Lafayette and is renowned for its dedication to upholding family values and constitutional rights. We command respect among our legal peers for our competence and honesty towards our clients. The people we work with can expect transparent advice and dedicated support to make sure their interests are put first.

How to Start the Child Support Modification Process

It can be difficult to know how to start the process of changing child support, but there is a clear path through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

1. Figure out whether you are eligible to change the child support amount before beginning the process. To qualify, you usually have to have undergone a substantial change to something like employment, income, insurance, or your living situation. You might also qualify if you have not changed the order in a significant period of time or if the payments are significantly different from the guidelines.
2. There are several methods to request that DCFS review your case. You can request by phone, an online message, or print and mail the request form. Before submitting, be sure to gather as much evidence as possible to support the change. This includes documents that prove your income, show how much childcare costs are, and show any other expenses related to your children.
3. Once you have submitted the form and any available evidence, DCFS will review all the information and make a decision according to the state’s guidelines on child support modification. If they deem a change to be necessary, then they will adjust the payments for you to approve. If both parents do not approve of the change, it may have to go to court for a judge to decide.
4. Once the order is submitted and if child support is changed, both parents are informed of what the DCFS or the court decided. They are also given new information on how much will be paid. If one parent does not follow the new order, the court can try to enforce compliance to ensure the child is being taken care of.

This process can be made much easier and straightforward with the help of a modifications attorney.

Why Do I Need a Lafayette Modifications Lawyer?

A family law attorney understands the details and unique requirements involved with filing a modification request. They can help you complete all necessary documents and submit them on time to reduce the likelihood of your case being unnecessarily delayed or rejected.

If you are requested for a hearing regarding a potential modification, a Lafayette Modifications attorney can help support your side and present your case effectively. Their strong communication skills can help you clearly outline your needs and concerns to make sure your voice is heard during the legal process.

The extensive experience of a child support or child custody attorney comes with the ability to personalize their knowledge to develop a strategy that is tailored to your family’s success. They know of potential outcomes and challenges associated with your case and can make a plan that meets all of your objectives.

Unfortunately, not every modification case goes smoothly. In the event of a dispute or a parent who fails to recognize the modification, an attorney can help you take legal action to enforce it. These situations are often quite emotional and difficult to endure. That is why a Lafayette Modifications Lawyer can be a useful third party in getting results and helping you reduce the stress associated with a modification order.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Reasons for Modifying Child Support in Louisiana?

A: The main reasons a court might consider modifying child support include when either parent or children have a significant change in circumstances. These changes can include things like the amount of income a parent earns, changes in the child’s needs, or issues with current custody arrangements. The child’s growth and development over time can warrant a review of the existing order in place to make sure it continues to be effective for them.

Q: How Does the Modification Process Work in Louisiana?

A: The modification process in Lafayette and other areas of Louisiana starts when a formal request is filed with the court by either parent. The request is called a petition, and it has to show that a substantial change has occurred since the last order was completed. Once the request is filed, the court might require the parents to attend a hearing to present evidence to either support or refute the modification. After a review, the court will then decide on whether or not to proceed with the modification.

Q: Can Child Custody or Support Modification Be Temporary?

A: Child custody or support modification can be temporary, depending on the situation. These types of orders usually coincide with short-term events, like a parent experiencing health issues or losing their job. Temporary orders are usually made before an official hearing so that the changes can be made before waiting for the court to review the situation. This helps meet the child’s needs and maintain stability in their living arrangements.

Q: What Do I Do if the Other Parent Does Not Follow the Modification?

A: If the other parent does not follow the modification, you might be able to take legal action to enforce the change. Most people return to court and file a separate petition for them to legally enforce the modification. This allows the court to give non-compliant penalties like fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time. Be sure to document how the other parent is not complying with orders as evidence so that you can protect your child’s interests.

Work Through Challenging Times With the Support of a Lafayette Modifications Attorney

Compassionate legal support can make all the difference in a child custody or support modification case. Contact The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory today to prioritize your child’s future.