These days, it often takes two incomes just to make ends meet. It’s not surprising that many financial issues can pop up when parents in Arkansas divorce or separate. When a parental divorce happens, the noncustodial parent often pays child support to the custodial parent so that the children’s needs are met. Occasionally, a parent may need to change how much child support he or she is paying or receiving. Here are a few things parents need to know when negotiating child support.
Know the law
Even though parents will usually have a mediator or an attorney assisting them with child support negotiations, it is still important to know and understand the laws surrounding child support. Researching the state’s child support laws online is a good place to start. Court websites also have general information about child support, such as documents and forms that must be completed if a parent chooses to represent themselves.
Have an understanding of incomes
Income is a major factor in determining child support amounts. This is why it is critical to have income figures for each party involved when negotiating. Exchanging financial information with the other parent may seem challenging and tedious, but it is necessary to make sure child support is calculated appropriately.
Negotiating child support can get complicated in a hurry and is often a very stressful subject to discuss. Parents in Arkansas who have questions or want to learn more about negotiating child support payments could benefit by contacting a legal representative. An experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney can answer difficult questions and provide much-needed legal guidance.