Child Support in Bangor, ME

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a financial obligation that a parent has to pay to support her or his child. This continues as they age and mature. Are you the parent who has custody of your son or daughter currently? If so, then the court will assume that the child receives full financial support while residing in your residence.

However, if your child does not live in your house and she or he is not currently under your custody, the court may require you to pay the custodial parent. In Maine, the Family Division handles child custody and child support cases in District Court. If you live in Bangor, you will typically have your case handled by the Bangor District Court.

In , Maine this means that you have to make payments to the custodial parent until your child reaches adulthood. You also may only have to make payments until the courts declare your child as emancipated or your daughter or son goes into military active duty. Keep in mind that if your child has special needs, there may be a requirement that you have to make child support payments past the legal age of adulthood.

Terminating Rights

Do you wonder if you can terminate your parental rights and not pay child support? Most states will not allow a parent to do this and cease support unless certain requirements exist. There may be some situations where a court terminates financial responsibilities if both parents agree that one party no longer has to provide support. One situation where a parent may be able to terminate her or his responsibility to child support is if someone else adopts the child.

Under Maine law, parental rights may end on grounds including conception by sexual assault and abandonment. Termination of parental rights may also occur if the parent has acted towards a child in a manner that is heinous or abhorrent to society. Such acts include rape, incest, murder, kidnapping, and aiding or soliciting suicide. Additionally, the court must determine that taking this step is in the best interests of the child, and will consider their wishes.

Do you believe that the other parent has violated your rights to receive child support? Then get immediate legal help from an experienced Bangor lawyer who can help you fight for your child’s right to financial stability.

How a Bangor, Maine Child Support Attorney Can Help You

If you constantly struggle to get the other parent to pay, hiring a lawyer can help guide you on the best decision.

Many people struggle with parents who refuse to pay. Hiring an experienced and dedicated lawyer will bring the help you need to navigate the legal system. Additionally, you may also have an easier time getting the money your child needs and deserves to better ensure a stable childhood.

In Bangor, child support can start through a court order, typically as part of a child custody action. You can also apply to Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for help establishing paternity and child support. The DHHS has many options to address nonpayment. These actions can include income withholding, property liens, and driver’s license revocation. Additionally, judges can hold delinquent parents in contempt which can carry fines and even jail time.

Whether you look to receive child support payments as a part of a divorce or you are not married, hiring a legal professional in Bangor can help to streamline the process. Without the help of a legal advocate, the cost can quickly drain your bank account and involve traumatic experiences for your unsupported children.

Working with an attorney can help you to:

• Establish paternity
• Answer a child support petition
• File a petition for support
• Request a child support order
• Explain the tax consequences that come with a child support order
• Work with the other parent to reach an agreement
• Represent you in court
• Locate the other parent
• Subpoena the other parent’s financial information
• Prove income
• Determine any factors that a court will look at to calculate how much is in arrears
• Educate you on the available child support enforcement options
• Give you an estimate of how much financial support you may receive from the other parent

Do you believe that you deserve to receive payment from the other parent or that you are not receiving a sufficient amount? If you have to answer, yes, then make every effort to avoid missing what your kid deserves. Work with a dedicated Bangor, Maine lawyer who fights for your rights as well as your child’s rights.

Information to Share With Your Lawyer

As you work with your lawyer, make sure you share documentation to better ensure that you can properly proceed with your case in Bangor. The information that you need to share with your attorney includes:

• Check stubs for the last two years or more if applicable
• Outstanding debts
• A change in debt, such as filing for bankruptcy
• Paternity records
• Adoption records
• Previous child support payment records
• Bonds, stocks, or any retirement account records
• Tax return records
• Purchase of sale records for a home, land, or any other type of assets
• Any child support forms that you have

Maine Courts determine child support in Bangor with a formula that takes into account the age of the child and the income of each parent. Other factors like debts and access to investments are also considered. Bangor residents can use Maine’s Child Support Worksheet to calculate child support for review by the court. Child support in Bangor can be paid either online or by mail through Child Support Services in Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Bangor, Maine

Are you facing a costly and emotional child support battle? Talk to a Bangor attorney equipped to help you in this delicate situation. Call now or fill out the simple form below to take steps to protect your children’s interests. Learn more about your child support law options below.

One of our expert Bangor attorneys will help to navigate you through the legal system to get you the money you and your kid should have. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Maine state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!