Reliable Hot Springs Attorneys Handle Child Support Issues

Knowledgeable Arkansas firm represents paying and recipient parents

When parents break up, each one remains responsible for their children’s well-being. To make sure that children’s financial needs are met, Arkansas courts issue child support orders that must be obeyed. This seems like a simple concept, but many complications can arise. At Schnipper, Britton & Stobaugh in Hot Springs, our experienced family law attorneys represent parents who must pay child support as well as those who will receive it to ensure that the process works as it should. Whether you believe that one party’s reported income isn’t accurate, need an adjustment to an existing order or are involved with a nonpayment issue, we’ll explain the relevant standards and pursue an appropriate resolution.

Skillful family lawyers assist with modifications and enforcement actions

Arkansas sets child support rates as a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s income, with the specific rate depending on how many children he or she has. It doesn’t matter whether you and your co-parent were ever married: payments must be made until a son or daughter turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Our firm offers personalized counsel on child support issues, such as:

Initial filings — We press to see that accurate income information is used as part of a divorce order or through a filing with the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), so that a paying parent isn’t hiding or minimizing what they earn.
Modifications — Courts understand that circumstances change over time, so parents are entitled to seek a review of child support terms every 36 months to review if they are still appropriate. In the meantime, if a noncustodial parent’s monthly income increases by more than 20 percent or $100, our lawyers can seek a fair modification before OSCE and in court.
Enforcement — If the paying parent fails to abide by a child support order, strong communication can sometimes trigger compliance. But when a contempt action is necessary to enforce a support order, we understand the available civil and criminal penalties and will litigate these matters vigorously.

Parents who lack primary physical custody can feel mistreated when they are being denied visitation or input into their children’s lives. But these circumstances do not allow a paying parent to withhold child support as a legal option. Our firm advises parents on how to obtain relief and will file petitions for remedies available under the law.

Contact a dedicated Arkansas attorney for assistance with a child support issue

Schnipper, Britton & Stobaugh represents Arkansas clients in child support proceedings and other family law matters. Please call 501-762-0887 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Hot Springs office.

COVID-19 Notice

Schnipper, Britton and Stobaugh (“SBS”) is actively monitoring the incidence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in our region.

SBS is following guidance from local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding large gatherings, including CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19. For these reasons, we are not scheduling in-person meetings at our office unless they are an emergency.

We will continue to take your calls and answer your emails during this time. Our goal is to continue to provide you with exceptional service while also doing our part to slow the spread of this virus. We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.