Child Support Attorneys Serving Johnson County & the Kansas City Area
Fair Support for the Future Ahead
Child support is about providing children with the financial stability they need while creating an arrangement that fairly reflects each parent's circumstances. Whether you're establishing child support for the first time, navigating support as part of a divorce or paternity matter, or dealing with a significant change in income or parenting time, understanding your rights and responsibilities is important. At Walsh & Fahey, we help parents throughout Leawood, Johnson County, and surrounding Kansas communities navigate child support matters with clarity and confidence.
Kansas child support calculations follow established guidelines, but every family's financial situation is different. Income, parenting arrangements, childcare expenses, health insurance, and other circumstances can all affect support obligations. Our attorneys will help you understand how the guidelines apply to your family, work toward a fair and practical resolution whenever possible, and advocate for your interests in court when an agreement cannot be reached.
Child Support Matters We Handle
Our attorneys assist parents with a wide range of child support matters, including:
Establishing child support
Enforcement of child support orders
Child support during divorce
Changes in parental income
Child support for unmarried parents
Changes in parenting time
Child support calculations
Childcare and health insurance expenses
Child support modifications
Disputes involving child support obligations
Your family's financial circumstances are unique. Your child support arrangement should reflect them.
Child Support FAQs
How is child support calculated in Kansas?
Kansas uses established Child Support Guidelines to calculate support obligations. The calculation considers factors such as each parent's income and may also account for childcare costs, health insurance premiums, parenting arrangements, and other circumstances.
Does child support depend on how much time each parent has with the child?
Parenting time can affect a child support calculation depending on the circumstances. Because custody arrangements and financial situations vary considerably from family to family, it's important to evaluate the specific facts of your case.
Can child support be changed after an order is entered?
Yes. Child support may be modified when certain legal requirements are met or circumstances have changed sufficiently to justify a new calculation. Changes in income, parenting arrangements, or a child's needs may be relevant.
What happens if the other parent stops paying child support?
A child support order is legally enforceable. If a parent fails to meet their court-ordered obligation, several enforcement remedies may be available depending on the circumstances.
Can parents agree on their own child support amount?
Parents may be able to reach an agreement regarding child support, but child support is ultimately intended to benefit the child. An agreement may need to comply with Kansas law and receive court approval.
Is child support automatically included in a divorce?
When divorcing parents have minor children, child support is generally one of the financial issues that must be addressed as part of the case along with custody and parenting time.
Do unmarried parents have the same child support obligations?
Parents can have financial responsibilities to their children regardless of whether they were married to one another. In cases involving unmarried parents, establishing paternity may be necessary before certain child support obligations and parental rights can be legally determined.
What if my income has significantly increased or decreased?
A substantial change in income may affect an existing child support obligation. Whether a modification is appropriate depends on the circumstances and Kansas child support requirements.
Who pays for health insurance and childcare expenses?
Health insurance premiums, work-related childcare expenses, and certain other costs associated with raising a child may be considered when calculating support. How those expenses are allocated depends on the family's circumstances and applicable Kansas guidelines.
Do I need an attorney for a child support matter?
Child support calculations can involve more than simply comparing two salaries. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure the appropriate financial information is considered, explain how Kansas guidelines apply to your circumstances, and advocate for a fair result whether your matter is resolved through agreement or court proceedings.