HOW IS A COURT ORDER FOR CHILD SUPPORT OBTAINED?

If you do not have a court order for the support of your child(ren), our office will establish one for you. The process begins with the filing and service on the non-custodial parent of a summons and complaint. The non-custodial parent has 30 days, from the date she/he was served with the summons and complaint, to file an answer with the court or agree to an order for support. If she/he makes no contact with our office, the court will enter a judgment based on the information in the summons and complaint. This entire process can take from three to six months.

The amount of a child support order is determined by using a software program entitled "guideline calculator." The income and visitation information for both parents are important factors in the calculation. It is extremely important to provide a completed Income and Expense Declaration.

If you were served with a summons and complaint, please do not ignore it. You or your attorney should file an answer and/or contact this office to resolve the case. Failure to respond may result in a court ordered amount that is greater than your ability to pay.