Child Custody, Child Support and Your Rights
Child custody and child support cases can be very difficult because they involve the rights of the parents and can have a severe impact on the well-being of a child. Courts are very interested in making decisions that support the best interests of the child, even when the details of any case are complicated. At the law office of Donald J. Lock, I provide strategic and supportive advocacy to protect the interests of my clients facing child custody and child support disputes.
For an initial consultation with an experienced attorney, call 816-873-8137 or contact me by e-mail.
Child custody after divorce and modifications
Child custody is one of the more difficult cases to be handled by any attorney, as custody in the courts eyes shall be determined by what is in the best interests of the child. What the court may consider to be best interests and what either of the parties may be may not be the same. My role as your attorney is to best demonstrate the you have the best interests of the child at heart in making your custody request. I handle custody disputes involving:
- Parenting time and visitation
- Relocation
- Modifications
Child custody like all other issues can be agreed to between the parties, however, when parties cannot agree, it is up to an attorney to demonstrate that the best interests of the child will be served by awarding the custody as requested by my client. Some of the factors the court will consider include the wishes of the parents, the needs of the child to continue to have a relationship with both parents, the child's ability to adapt to a new area or school, as well as several other factors.
Child support after divorce, including enforcement and modifications
Child support is determined by rules of the Supreme Court and put into a formula to determine required payments. While it may appear that your results will not vary, it is important to work with an attorney who can best represent your interests in determining numbers that will go into the formula. The court will consider:
- The income history of both parties
- An attribution of income to spouse who is not working to potential or not working at all
- The costs of work related day care
- The cost of health insurance for children, if at all available to a parent
- Special needs of the child
As your attorney, I will assess the aspects of your situation and build a case to protect your rights and financial interests. It is important to work with an attorney who knows how these factors will affect your child support obligations or how much you will collect to care for a child. For more information about child support and your rights, please call 816-873-8137 for a free consultation.
I can also help you seek a modification to an original order if you are unable to make payments or pursue enforcement measures if you have not been collecting the child support you are due.
Contact Donald J. Lock for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer serving Kansas City North and the Kansas City, Missouri, Metropolitan Area.
Free consultations · Credit cards accepted · Office hours: 9-5, Monday through Friday · Evenings and weekends available by appointment
