By Mashum Mollah
Let’s face it. Being both a parent and at the same time a provider can be stressful when your child grows older. Therefore, there is no offense to approach your ex for financial help. It can be embarrassing to do so, but probably, that’s the only way you can get your child support. So, if you want to get your child’s custody, then follow these five practical first steps to getting your child support:
1. Familiarize With Child Custody Laws in Your State:
If you want the process to move smoother, you need to familiarize yourself with the child custody laws in your state or country. This is going to help you whether you have chosen to hire a lawyer or not because learning firsthand is better.
Make this your priority and do thorough research. It is essential even to jot down some questions that may help you better understand the child custody laws. Besides, you can still ask your attorney to clarify the issues you jotted down.
2. Locate The Child’s Parent:
First, you should locate where your ex or the other parent is. This could involve looking for his or her email address, where the parent is employed, and any information that may be necessary. The reason why this is essential is that the court cannot give any order without such information.
If you can’t locate the other parent, you will be provided with free assistance to help you know the location of your ex. These assistance services have all it takes to locate your ex, for example, using credit reporting agencies, utility companies, and many others.
3. Establish Legal Fatherhood:
If the identity of the child’s dad is in doubt, you need to establish legal fatherhood.
In most cases, DNA testing is used to find out the birth parent of a child, while in some cases, the child’s dad can sign the acknowledgment of paternity.
Establishing legal fatherhood is essential because it will help the court to determine your child support.
4. Child Support Terms Should be Adjusted:
Once the court has given an order, you can ask your attorney to help you in calculating child support and maybe ask the court if they could allow an increase or decrease in the amount if your child’s life changes.
Usually, this is known as child support modification. However, you should know that it’s not easy for the court to approve your request unless the changes are going to be significant, for example, loss of a job or disability.
5. File the Forms:
In most states or countries, you will be required to file your forms in person. If you prefer to work with an attorney, let him, do it on your behalf. All the same, if you want to do it yourself, just remember that the clerk can never provide you with any legal advice.
The clerk can only give you the guidelines for filing your forms. That said, you need to stay friendly and polite. The clerk can be instrumental as you prepare for your child custody case.
Bottom Line:
The process above is all you need to get your child support. This is the same practical guide that has helped many to get their child custody. Just remember to follow all the steps to a tee and be polite.
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