Child Support In Paternity Cases

By Daniel Lambert

Cordell & Cordell Family Law Attorney

Each state will have its own laws and regulations governing paternity and child support.

Where I practice, child support is set in paternity actions pursuant to each party’s income and the placement/visitation schedule awarded to each party. Child support only becomes effective through an order of the court. If there is no court order for child support, then a party would have to request child support.

It is not possible in some states to waive child support entirely. It is possible to deviate from the set child support schedules established by the state guidelines that require payment, though.

Most often this is achieved by the parties agreeing to “hold open” child support based on the parenting time and expenses incurred by both parties for the support of the child(ren). This is common in situations where the father of the child is living with the child’s mother, they are not married, and neither party wants to establish child support.

A “hold open” on child support requires neither party to pay support, but makes child support available should there be a change in placement or economic circumstances of the parties. To change child support from being held open, a party would need to file a motion with the court and request a change in child support.

In general, if the parties have a current child support order and wish to stop the support obligation pursuant to an agreement, it would be necessary for the parties to execute an agreement and file it with the court along with a motion to modify the child support.

Read Related Articles on Paternity Issues

Depending on the jurisdiction, the court would either approve the agreement and incorporate it into an order, or the court would hold a hearing and decide whether to approve the agreement and incorporate into an order.

Due to the variances in state laws, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney licensed in your state to review your case and provide you with legal advice on your current options.

To schedule an appointment with a divorce attorney, including Milwaukee Divorce Lawyer Daniel L. Lambert, please contact Cordell & Cordell Law Firm.