Top Birmingham, AL Child Support Enforcement Lawyers Near You

Child Support Payment Methods

In order to avoid child support payments from being defaulted in the future, the court may withhold child support payments in several ways. Depending on the state, a court may offer payment options such as income being withheld, automatic payments through a bank account or credit card, automatic withdrawals from payments. Contact your a Birmingham child support enforcement attorney to guide you with the various payment options for your state.

What Happens When You Default in Child Support Payments

Failing to make child support payments, can result in the court attempting to collect defaulted payments. The court can do this by withholding payor’s income or wage garnishments; by denying a passport application until child support payments are made; the court can also impose jail time if payments are continuously avoided. a Birmingham family lawyer will explain the child support enforcement process in your state.

Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney

• How many years have you been practicing law? How long have you practiced law in the local area?
• How many cases similar to mine have you handled in the past?
• What is the likely outcome for my case?

In legal practice, experience matters. An experienced attorney will likely have handled issues similar to yours many, many times. Therefore, after listening to your situation, the attorney should have a reasonable idea of the time line for a case like yours and the likely resolution.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.