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Child support can be one of the most consequential legal matters following the separation or divorce of two parents. For the parent needing support, the amount that the judge orders could determine the child’s financial well-being. Conversely, the judge may saddle the other parent with an impossibly high monthly payment.
No matter which side of child support you find yourself on, representing yourself in a court hearing is generally not advised. Find out why Garden City parents depend on The Saul Law Firm, LLP to advocate for them.
Can I Handle My Own Child Support Hearing?
Although you are allowed to represent yourself in child support court, you will likely be at a substantial disadvantage if you do so. Here are a few reasons:
- The child support guidelines will likely apply: Most New York child support cases are subject to presumptive child support guidelines that take into account the parents’ incomes, the child’s needs, and many other factors. If you don’t understand these guidelines, you won’t be able to make a strong case.
- Child support laws will apply: New York child support laws consist broadly of both statutory provisions and court opinions which interpret them. If you are not well-versed in and prepared to argue the intricacies of the law, the outcome of your case could be at risk.
- Rules of evidence will apply: Certain rules dictate what courts can and cannot admit as evidence during hearings. Failure to understand them may prevent you from having vital evidence admitted, or allow the other parent to admit something that should have been kept out.
- Civil procedure rules will apply: Garden City child support cases are subject to the New York Civil Practice Law. These are rules of civil procedure that govern matters such as notice, time limits, pleadings, and much more. Not understanding these will adversely affect your case.
- Each court has its own rules: In addition, each family court has its own special rules that you need to understand and apply. As with other procedural and substantive rules, not knowing these can be detrimental to your rights and interests.
- The other parent will likely have legal counsel: Your position in the case will be further jeopardized if the other parent has an attorney and you don’t. You should not expect the judge to be more lenient towards you just because you don’t have a lawyer.
- Modification is not easy to obtain: If the outcome of your hearing is not what you wanted, you will not get to modify the order except in limited circumstances. These include substantial changes (15% or more) in either parent’s income or once every three years. In other words, you could be stuck with a difficult order for quite some time.
How a Seasoned Garden City Lawyer Can Assist You
Fortunately, you do not have to contend with child support on your own. Whether you are the parent needing support or the one from whom it is asked, our legal team can help by:
- Applying our extensive knowledge of New York child support guidelines and laws
- Filing and serving all court papers in accordance with the rules of civil procedure
- Using the discovery process to obtain the evidence needed in your case
- Taking steps to admit evidence in your favor and to challenge evidence against you
- Potentially settling your case in mediation
- Representing you in court if the case does not settle
Get Started Today With The Saul Law Firm
Don’t leave your child support hearing to chance. If you have a pending case, or some other family law matter in Garden City, it’s time to explore your legal options. Connect with us today to learn more.