Shreveport Child Support Lawyer

Dedicated Child Support Attorney in Shreveport, LA

Whether someone is establishing parentage or going through a divorce involving children, Louisiana family courts have an interest in making sure that any children tied to the case receive the financial support they need to meet their basic needs. Whether you are seeking court-ordered payments or have concerns about being required to pay more than you can afford, a Shreveport child support lawyer can represent you in court while protecting your interests.

Dedicated Legal Support for Parents Going Through a Child Support Dispute

The outcome of a child support dispute can have significant financial consequences for both you and your child. P. Michael Davis, Attorney at Law, represents clients going through complex family court disputes, including cases involving child support. We take a results-driven approach to child support matters, focusing on the financial and family circumstances that shape each case.

Whether you are seeking child support, responding to a request for support, or addressing an existing support order, we can assert your rights and pursue a fair outcome. Our founding attorney, P. Michael Davis is actively involved in numerous prominent legal organizations, including the American Bar Association and the Louisiana State Bar Association. That involvement helps him stay informed about legal developments that could affect family law matters in Louisiana.

Understanding Child Support in Shreveport

Louisiana’s divorce rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, along with the fact that 25% of the population in Shreveport is under 18, means that many local court cases will inevitably involve child support considerations. Support cases are typically heard at the First Judicial District Court at 501 Texas Street, Shreveport, LA 71101.

Under La. R.S. 9:315, child support is a continuous obligation of both parents, and children are entitled to share in both parents’ current income. Louisiana uses an Income Shares Model that considers the parents’ combined adjusted gross income when determining how the financial obligation should be divided. The calculation can account for income from wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment, and numerous other sources.

Child support cases can involve a consideration of:

• The basic costs of food, clothing, and housing
• Health insurance premiums
• Childcare costs
• Certain medical expenses
• Extraordinary costs associated with the child’s education
• Transportation expenses for the child between parents
• Special costs associated with the child’s extracurricular activities

In some cases, a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed may have support calculated based on potential rather than actual income. Family law attorneys can document your child’s needs and your financial circumstances, giving the court a clear understanding of the factors that should be considered when setting a child support order.

Modifications and Enforcement Measures

Child support orders can be modified when a parent or child experiences a material change in circumstances, such as a significant shift in income or the child’s financial needs. Courts also often revisit support alongside custody. A change to the custody schedule, or an emergency custody order that changes where the child lives, can justify a new support calculation. Courts can also enforce existing orders when a parent fails to make required payments. Louisiana courts have several enforcement options, including income withholding and other measures to collect unpaid support. An attorney can pursue a modification or enforcement action.

Why You Should Hire a Child Support Lawyer

In 2024, more than 6,700 civil cases were filed in the state district court serving Shreveport and the rest of Caddo Parish, and many of those cases involved family court disputes. Going to court without a Shreveport child support attorney could potentially jeopardize your goals. Louisiana’s child support laws are designed to provide for a youth’s basic needs, and any child support case should be based on accurate information.

When you hire a child support lawyer, you gain trusted support from a skilled legal professional who understands these types of cases. They know how to actively guide a case toward a favorable outcome for clients. A Shreveport child support attorney can advocate for your interests throughout your case and beyond.

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FAQs

How Is Child Support Calculated in Louisiana?

How child support is calculated in Louisiana depends on factors such as each parent’s income, the number of children who require support, and certain expenses associated with raising them. Louisiana uses the Income Shares Model, which considers the parents’ combined adjusted gross income. Health insurance premiums, childcare costs, certain medical expenses, and other qualifying costs can also affect the final support obligation.

Can Child Support Be Modified in Shreveport, LA?

Child support can be modified in Shreveport, LA when there has been a material change in circumstances since the existing support order was established. A substantial change in either parent’s income, a parent’s employment, or the child’s financial needs could provide grounds for seeking a modification. The parent requesting the change generally must establish why the existing order should be increased or decreased before a court will hear the matter.

What Expenses Are Included in Child Support in Shreveport?

In Shreveport, child support expenses can extend beyond a child’s basic needs for food, clothing, and housing. Louisiana’s child support guidelines can account for health insurance premiums, net childcare costs, certain medical expenses, and qualifying extraordinary expenses.

A judge may also consider certain educational costs, special child-rearing expenses, and costs associated with transporting the child between the parents. Judges have a degree of discretion in these matters.

What Happens If a Parent Does Not Pay Child Support in Louisiana?

What happens if a parent does not pay child support in Louisiana can depend on the amount owed and the enforcement measures pursued. You can collect past-due support through methods such as income withholding, interception of certain tax refunds, and other enforcement proceedings. Continued failure to comply with a support order can expose a parent to additional legal consequences, making it important to promptly address payment problems.

Talk to a Trusted Shreveport Child Support Lawyer

Child support cases can affect your finances and your child’s well-being for years to come. Whether you are seeking support, responding to a child support request, or asking the court to modify an existing order, experienced legal representation can safeguard your rights and interests.

P. Michael Davis, Attorney at Law, provides results-driven representation to clients facing family law disputes in Shreveport. Our team can evaluate the financial circumstances surrounding your case, explain Louisiana’s child support laws, and advocate for a fair outcome that reflects your goals. Contact our office today to discuss your child support case and go over your options.