Child & Spousal Support

Fayetteville, North Carolina, Lawyers Handling Child and Spousal Support

Few issues are as painful for families as divorce. Although the parents are divorcing each other, they are not divorcing their children - and that means they will be working together for years to come.

That is why we recommend that parents focus from the beginning on the need to put the interests of their children first. There are a number of important issues which must be decided during divorce, including child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support ("alimony").

For skilled help with child support, alimony or any divorce-related issue, contact the Fayetteville law offices of Miller, Clouse & Illikainen. We are caring, committed and focused on your values. We will promote your interests and the best interests of your children throughout the process. Call us at 910-401-2280 or contact us online.

Understanding Your Child Support Obligation

North Carolina's child support guidelines require courts to use a particular formula to calculate parents' child support amounts. Monthly support obligations are largely based on each parent's income and on the amount of time the children spend in the care of each parent. The cost of health insurance, travel costs, school tuition and costs, and certain special needs for a child can also affect the amount of child support.

An essential part of obtaining a fair child support order is to make sure that each parent's income and any special circumstances are accurately reported to the court so they can be taken into account. Whether you expect to pay or receive child support, at Miller, Clouse & Illikainen, our attorneys will work with you to ensure that your order is fair.

When your income or other circumstances change, you may need to change your child support amount. We can help you determine whether to request a child support modification. We can also help you resolve the situation if you fall behind in your child support - or enforce your order if your kids' other parent falls behind.

Determining Whether Spousal Support Will Be Ordered in Your Divorce

Spousal support (sometimes called "alimony" or "spousal maintenance") is not automatically ordered in any divorce. In North Carolina, temporary spousal support can be ordered to allow a spouse with a lower earning capacity to develop job skills. Permanent spousal support could be ordered after a long-term marriage in which one of the spouses was a homemaker. Your attorney can analyze your particular situation and help you determine whether spousal support is appropriate in your case.

If you have concerns about alimony or child support, call an experienced family law attorney at Miller, Clouse & Illikainen. To schedule a confidential appointment with a lawyer, contact us today.