You may feel overwhelmed if you’ve been served with the initial pleading in a child support case. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can navigate through the case and reach a successful resolution with the proper legal support. You’ll notice that the initial paperwork was brought by an agency, the Department of Child support Services. So, does that mean the agency opened the case or did the other parent open the case? The answer is, it depends. Here’s what to know.
Government Assistance Affects the Case
If the other parent receives government assistance, the state will automatically open the child support case. Parents who aren’t receiving any help from the government can also open an issue. They will call the state and request that the case is opened. In those instances, the other parent would be the driving force in requesting child support. For anyone who’s already getting financial help from the government, though, the agency will be looking to make sure child support is received.
Thoroughly Review the Initial Pleading
Anyone served with an initial pleading in a child support case should thoroughly read through it. It’s crucial that you take a careful look and don’t just skim it. One of the main reasons for looking it all over is a proposed judgment. In other words, that’s a basic idea of how much the agency will be requesting that you pay in child support. Based on your current financial circumstances, the amount may seem fair to you, or it may be much more than what you can comfortably pay.
You have a statutory time period of 30 days to respond to the initial pleading. If you don’t agree with the amount of child support you’re being asked to pay or other extenuating circumstances you need to address, you’ll want to start responding quickly. An attorney can help you do that and provide you with peace of mind as you move through the process. Working with a legal professional will also help ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Reach Out for Trusted Help Today
Reach out to us at the Mohajer Law Firm, and let’s talk about your child support case. We understand that receiving an initial pleading can be stressful, especially if the proposed judgment amount is high. But with legal representation, you can feel confident that your interests are adequately represented. That will provide you with a feeling of security. Still, it will help ensure that any child support you have to pay is the right amount for your financial situation and legal responsibilities going forward.