Best Child Support lawyers in Waxhaw, NC

1 Child Support Lawyers in Waxhaw, NC

experienced lawyers

Anna Nicole Blood

108 E. South Main Street, Waxhaw, NC

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

4.5/5

3.9

7 Reviews

4.6

116 Reviews

23 Aug, 2024 by Shaunta chirinos

Working with Blood Law has been a great experience. Allison and her team were very professional and always available for questions when needed.

09 Aug, 2024 by Javias williams

Such great people. Empathic and assuring!

25 Jul, 2024 by Kim zinicola

Unless you have at least $15,000 to lose, I would not recommend Blood Law. I specifically chose them because they were an all-female firm. My brother and I paid Blood Law a total of $18,000 and I received no representation at three court dates, one of which was a hearing regarding Post Separation support and at the end of October, 2023, I was told that I had to pay $5,000 more to represent me in a divorce. NONE of the para-legals or lawyers or office staff personnel that worked with me are still employed, with the exception of Mrs. Blood’s sister, Olivia Lowery. I feel like promises were made and broken over and over again. At the worst time of my life, not only did Blood Law not help me, they made my situation worse. My experience with them started almost two years ago. My husband had an affair and wanted a divorce. In late August, 2022, I spoke to Olivia Lowery and she assured me that I had a good case and that because I was a dependent spouse and he was a provider spouse, he would be forced to pay my attorney fees, per Chapter 50 of the North Carolina state statutes. My husband and I are now divorced. Per the agreement I had with the husband, during the mandatory separation period, I was using my social security benefits to pay for an attorney. I had a contract of representation with Blood Law dated September 2, 2022. An offer letter and a counter to the husband’s counter were prepared by Ms. Lowery. Because I am a retired accountant, I also completed worksheets regarding the lists of assets for distribution. I explained my financial situation to the office manager and was told it was acceptable for me to fall behind in fees, if I could make them up with my next social security deposit. In January, 2023, after I received a summons from my then husband, I learned I had lost representation because I fell behind in payments. I also learned the office manager with whom I had been communicating, was no longer with the firm. Even though I was told they no longer represented me as I had fallen behind in payments, Blood Law worked with me to complete a 30-day extension for the reply for the summons. Because of their actions, I was under the impression if I caught up and stayed ahead, they would represent me. I did catch up in my legal fees, in March, 2023, and I continued to pay a monthly amount into a trust fund to try to stay ahead of what I thought would be charged. In March, 2023, a response to a summons was prepared as was a response to the husband’s attorney’s request to drop charges, and in April, 2023, a response to interrogatories. In April, 2023, I prepared and filed all of the court required forms myself and paid the court fees. I received minimal guidance from a paralegal to assist me in filing those forms. A junior attorney was sent to a mediation meeting on June 26, 2023. I have been forced to represent myself before a judge, on April 17, 2023, June 6, 2023, and August 18, 2023, the latter of which was a hearing for post separation support. Over the first two weeks of August, 2023, I sent two emails to Blood Law asking for advice and I made sure my trust balance was over $1,000 to cover the time to travel. I did not receive a response. At the hearing for Post Separation Support because Blood Law chose not to show up, I did not know what was going to happen and my request for post separation support was denied. My husband then cut back even more the amount he was depositing and I was unable to pay Blood Law any more than $500 per month, down from around $1,300. That is when I was informed that unless I paid them an additional $5,000, they would not represent me. I was also told “those emails and phone calls add up”. Well, yes, they do, considering how much work I did for them and that work needed to be reviewed. I did at least 60 hours of accounting work, in order to help defray costs, to no avail.

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What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You

A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.

Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.

When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:

Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.

Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.

What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?

A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:

Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.

How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?

Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:

Hourly rate: Most child support lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. The total cost will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.

How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:

Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.

Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.

How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.