There is staggering news from the U.S. Census Bureau. Less than half of custodial parents receive the payments they are entitled to. Less than half.

When families and assets split, life changes for everyone involved. But there are laws in place to protect children. They ensure that parents are still financially responsible for their children. Despite the relationship breakdown between parents, children still need support.

But statistics show that this isn’t happening. Less than half of custodial parents are getting child support as required. Children are going without.

If you’re going through a split, you’re likely finding the ins and outs of child support daunting. Read on for some helpful advice.

Rough Waters

No matter how your relationship started and progressed, it’s over now. That is difficult enough. Adding financial worries and legal trouble is stress that no one needs.

In a perfect world, all parents would love each other and their children forever. But this isn’t a perfect world. In fact, according to American Psychological Association, up to 50 percent of marriages end in divorce.

There is a communication breakdown. There are differences of opinion. Coming to financial agreements is difficult for loving couples. It’s nearly impossible for those who have split.

It is not common that a couple has an amicable split. Rarer is that they agree to financial arrangements post-split. Sometimes, the parties forget or intentionally breach agreements. Often this happens when one moves on to new relationships.

When friendly feelings go sour, people can do things out of pain or a need for vengeance. A non-custodial parent may tire of payments and change jobs to earn less. The percentage of income hasn’t changed. But, the amount going out to the custodial partner would lessen. In theory.

The U.S. Census Bureau puts out a report, Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support. This report shows that billions of dollars in child support are owed each year. But the same report cites that roughly 40 percent of that money goes unpaid.

You want to avoid being part of the unpaid percentage.

Is a Lawyer Worth It?

Think of it like this. Your house needs to be repainted. In an attempt to save money, you buy some paint and give it your best shot. You ask a couple of friends for advice, get up on a ladder and start painting. A few hours later, you step out to the curb you check your progress.

It looks awful. Disappointed, you break down and call professional painters. They come out and assess your handiwork. For starters, they inform you that you’d used the wrong paint.

You cover your face in humiliation. They’ll have to correct the mess you’ve made before proceeding.

But they finish the job with enviable speed and efficiency, beautifying your home. You conclude that you should have hired them in the first place. Trying to save money by doing it yourself only costs you more time and money in the end.

Sometimes, it’s best to trust the professionals.

The same is true for legal issues like child support. You’re trying to navigate the rough waters of the American legal system. You’ll want a knowledgeable captain at the helm. Continue to learn how an attorney can help.

Chasing Child Support

In the U.S., child support laws vary by state. You want a lawyer who practices in your state. And possibly even your county.

An attorney who is familiar with the state’s laws is essential. An attorney who is familiar with the judges and other lawyers in the county is vital.

Furthermore, an attorney who specializes in child support is priceless.

This isn’t the time for bargain hunting. You want the best child support attorney you can find. It pays off in the long run.

If the non-custodial parent does resort to trickery, you’ll need an adept attorney by your side. Hiding assets or intentionally reducing income can be difficult to prove. Your attorney will help protect you from the other party playing games.

They will provide a variety of services. They will evaluate your case and provide appropriate advice. They will negotiate on your behalf. They will provide estimates of child support payments. If necessary, they will appear in court for you.

You should feel comfortable with your attorney. They are representing you and your children.

You should be able to contact them throughout the process with questions and advice. A good attorney will meet your concerns with knowledge and care, putting your mind at ease.

A child support attorney will help you get the right child support order. And they’ll ensure it’s enforced. They are there to ensure a fair, legal outcome for you and your children.

What to Do?

Your best course of action is to contact an attorney before filing any paperwork. This is essential. They can ensure everything is filled out and filed correctly to avoid any snags in the future.

Many attorneys offer free consultations. It’s worth calling to speak with one before you get the ball rolling. This will help you get an idea of what to expect and what you need to do.

But, if you’ve already taken a few steps and have encountered a problem, fear not. It’s never too late to contact an attorney.

To find the best child support attorney, you can go a few different routes. You can ask trusted friends for personal recommendations. You can search online for a child support attorney near you.

But just as with any other service, it’s important to do your research. Check into their history. What organizations are they part of? Read reviews from other clients. You want someone on your side you can trust, someone who will work with you and for you.

Peace of mind is priceless. Of course, you want to be financially wise. But it’s important to ensure your children are getting the child support they deserve.

If you’ve found this article informative, please see our blog for more.