Bossier City Child Support Lawyer

Trusted Legal Guidance from Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law

Navigating the complex world of child support can be overwhelming—especially during a stressful divorce or custody dispute. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we understand how important it is to secure the financial stability your children deserve. If you're seeking experienced legal guidance for child support matters, our dedicated Bossier City child support attorney is here to advocate for your best interests and help ensure a fair outcome for your family.

Contact us at (318) 633-0186 to schedule your initial consultation and find out how we can help secure your child's financial well-being.

What is Child Support?

Child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other for the financial support of their child or children following a separation, divorce, or custody determination. The primary purpose of child support is to ensure that the child’s needs are met, regardless of which parent they live with.

In Louisiana, both parents are financially responsible for their children. Typically, the non-custodial parent—the parent who does not have primary physical custody—pays child support to the custodial parent to help cover:

• Housing and utilities
• Food and clothing
• Education expenses
• Healthcare and medical costs
• Extracurricular activities

If you're facing child support issues—whether you're seeking payments, disputing the amount, or need enforcement assistance—a qualified Bossier City child support lawyer from Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law can help guide you through every step of the legal process.

Calculating Child Support in Louisiana

Louisiana follows an "income shares" model to determine child support obligations. This model estimates how much income the child would have received if the parents lived together, then divides that financial responsibility between the parents proportionally based on their incomes.

Factors that affect child support calculation include:

• Gross monthly income of both parents
• Number of children involved
• Cost of health insurance premiums
• Childcare expenses
• Special needs of the child (e.g., medical, educational)

Louisiana has established child support guidelines that judges must follow unless there are exceptional circumstances. The guidelines use a standardized chart to determine the basic child support obligation, which is then adjusted based on factors like shared custody, extraordinary medical expenses, or additional dependents.

How The Court Determines Child Support

The family court system in Bossier City, like all of Louisiana, considers multiple factors when issuing a child support order. Although the calculation is guideline-based, the court has the discretion to adjust the amount based on the unique circumstances of each case.

Key factors the court considers include:

• Income of both parents: Including wages, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, disability benefits, pensions, and more.
• Custody arrangement: If physical custody is split 50/50 or shared significantly, the support obligation may be adjusted accordingly.
• Child's needs: Medical care, education, daycare, and other necessary expenses are included.
• Parental obligations: If either parent supports other children not involved in the case, this may influence the final amount.

The court’s primary goal is to protect the well-being of the child. If either parent attempts to hide income or underreport earnings, the court can impute income based on earning potential. A knowledgeable Bossier City child support lawyer can ensure that the financial information presented to the court is accurate and fair.

Modifying or Enforcing Child Support Orders

Over time, circumstances change. Whether you’ve lost a job, had a significant increase in income, or your child’s needs have changed, you may need to request a modification to the child support order. Louisiana law allows for modifications if there’s a material change in circumstances that affects the ability to pay or the needs of the child.

On the other hand, if the other parent is not paying court-ordered support, legal enforcement actions may be necessary. These can include:

• Wage garnishment
• License suspension (driver’s, professional, hunting/fishing)
• Seizure of tax refunds
• Contempt of court actions

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our Bossier City child support lawyer will help you take the appropriate legal steps to modify or enforce child support obligations effectively.

Child Support FAQs

Can I waive child support in Louisiana?

No. Child support is a right that belongs to the child, not the parent. Even if both parents agree, the court may not approve a waiver if it’s not in the child’s best interest.

What happens if a parent refuses to pay child support?

If a parent fails to pay, the court can initiate enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, asset seizure, and even jail time for contempt of court.

Is child support still required if we share 50/50 custody?

Yes, though the amount may be reduced. Even with equal time, if one parent earns significantly more, they may still be required to pay support.

How long does child support last in Louisiana?

Child support usually continues until the child turns 18. However, it can extend to age 19 if the child is a full-time high school student and dependent on the custodial parent.

Can child support be changed retroactively?

No. Modifications only apply from the date the motion to modify is filed—not before.

Speak With a Bossier City Child Support Lawyer Today

If you are facing child support issues—whether you’re trying to establish, modify, or enforce an order—it’s crucial to work with a legal professional who understands Louisiana family law. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our experienced Bossier City child support lawyer is committed to helping you secure a fair arrangement that prioritizes your child’s well-being and protects your financial interests.

Don’t navigate this process alone. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the legal support you need.