When the parents of a minor child divorce, or otherwise cease living together, one parent is typically required to pay child support to the other parent. Whether you are the parent ordered to pay child support or the parent receiving support, there are a variety of reasons why you might need a child support lawyer. A Murfreesboro attorney at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby explains how to find child support lawyers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Why Might I Need a Child Support Lawyer?
Whether as part of a divorce decree or a separate action for support, once a child support order is entered by the court it becomes just that – and order of the court. As such, the parent ordered to pay support (the “payor”) is legally obligated to pay to the parent receiving support (the “payee”) the amount designated on the order pursuant to the terms of the order. There are, however, several reasons why you might need a child support lawyer after child support has been calculated and ordered by the court, including:
- You are the payor and you are significantly behind on your support payments.
- You are the payee and you want the court to enforce the existing child support order.
- You are the payor and you want the court to decrease the amount of child support you have to pay.
- You are the payee and you want the court to increase the child support amount.
Finding Child Support Lawyers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Once you have decided that you need a child support lawyer, the next step is to find the right one for your situation. Lawyers who practice divorce or family law are best suited to help you with your child support issue. The following steps can help you to find child support lawyers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee,
- Ask friends and family members for referrals. You may not feel comfortable discussing the details of your child support situation with friends or family; however, they may be your best resource when looking for a lawyer. You may be surprised how many people you know who have needed a divorce or family law lawyer in the past. These people can provide you with referrals based on their own experience with local attorneys.
- Check local and state Bar associations. Bar associations are another excellent resource when looking for child support lawyers. For a Murfreesboro lawyer, check the Rutherford and Cannon County Bar Association or the Tennessee Bar Association.
- Make use of the internet. In the age of the internet most lawyers have an online presence. While it is not wise to hire an attorney based solely on what you read on a website or Facebook page, those sights can provide helpful information when searching for a lawyer. A website, for example, will likely tell you what type of law the attorney practices, how long they have been practicing, and what geographic areas they serve.
- Schedule a consultation. When you have located two or three child support lawyers that appear to have the qualifications you are looking for, schedule a consultation. Most divorce and family law attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Many even offer video consultations as an option. Keep in mind, however, that your time may be limited. With that in mind, explain your legal issue as briefly and as succinctly as possible. In addition, gather your documents and make a list of important questions to ask during your consultation. Questions you may wish to ask include:
- How often do you handle child support cases?
- Are you familiar with the court handling my case?
- How would you approach my case?
- What do you think the outcome will be?
- What can I do to improve my chances of a successful outcome?
- Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
- What are your fees for a case like mine?
- Do you accept payments, or do I have to pay the entire fee upfront?
Contact Child Support Lawyers in Murfreesboro Tennessee
If you have questions or concerns about child support in Murfreesboro, contact the team at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby as soon as possible by calling 615-898-1560 to schedule your free appointment.
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