Child Support

During a divorce proceeding, the child support obligation will be set by the judge. Child support obligations also arise when a child is born out of wedlock. If a petition for child support is filed, the judge will set the amount. The amount can be modified when there is a change of income or some other material change of circumstances.

Sometimes one parent will try to hide income to pay less in child support, or a parent may manipulate their income to lower their child support obligation by showing less income on tax returns. This can be done by not disclosing cash income or by deducting questionable expenses. If you are able to prove this type of behavior, the court can impute income to the parent.

The Chancery Court has some additional discretion beyond the statutory guidelines. A departure from the guidelines is permissible when the Chancery Court makes a finding that the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate. Our lawyers have experience handling complicated child support issues, including how small businesses and sole proprietors hide income, and can help track down undisclosed accounts and income-producing assets.