Child support can be a source of conflict for many parents, and you might be wondering how to broach this topic without causing unnecessary disputes. Whether you stand to receive or pay child support, you may wish to discuss various details of these payments. Follow a few simple steps, and you can approach this topic in a cordial, respectful manner while achieving your unique family goals. An experienced child support attorney in Georgia may be able to offer guidance during this process.
Make It About the Child’s Needs – Not Yours
When approaching the subject of child support, it helps to phrase your arguments in a way that focuses on the child’s needs. Do not try to make this dispute about you, your financial limitations, or any personal/emotional issues you might be struggling with. Parents faced with paying child support may react badly to these arguments, especially if they feel bitter about the end of their relationship.
Instead, try to put this relationship aside and focus entirely on what your child needs to live a happy, healthy life. Consider saying something like, “Look, I know we’ve had our differences in the past, but our child would really benefit from access to reliable education, shelter, healthcare, and nutrition.”
The truth is that most parents care deeply about their children. Putting the combative nature of a breakup or divorce aside, these parents usually want to contribute to their child’s upbringing.
Highlight Any Challenges the Child Is Facing
If there are specific challenges that child support could address, it makes sense to highlight these issues during discussions with the other parent. For example, your child may have new, unexpected medical expenses. They may also need additional educational resources, such as a laptop. They might need to attend a special school program for a learning disability or tutoring sessions to catch up with the rest of the class.
Whatever the case may be, it often helps to provide additional evidence of these challenges. This might include a medical bill for your child’s recent treatment – or invoices from a tutor. Once the other parent sees how expensive these issues are becoming, they may be more willing to contribute.
An experienced child support lawyer in Georgia may be able to help both parents modify an existing child support agreement, allowing for higher payments to cover these new costs. If you approach the other parent in a cordial and respectful manner, it may be easier to negotiate these higher payments in private rather than going to court.
Can a Child Support Lawyer in Georgia Help?
A child support lawyer in Georgia may be able to help parents approach this subject in an efficient manner. Before broaching this topic with the other parent, consider speaking with Lankford & Moore Law. Our experienced custody attorneys can offer advice on how to handle disputes, and we can help you achieve your custody goal with confidence. Schedule your first consultation today to get started.
