What is Retroactive Child Support?

Parents have a duty to care for their children, even if they’re not actively raising them. The non-custodial parent typically pays child support to care for their children until they reach the age of 19. Parents who are no longer together may get a court order specifying which parent pays child support and how much he/she will pay.

In cases like these, a parent can petition for retroactive child support, which refers to support payments intended to make up for unpaid past support or support needed before the court established the order.

Retroactive Child Support

Retroactive child support is not automatic, so a parent must go to court and ask for it. A court may grant retroactive child support for some of the following reasons:

• The parent seeking the support demonstrates a need
• There is a delay in the final support hearing
• The non-custodial parent intentionally avoided support payments or concealed part of their finances or assets

The amount of support is based on a number of factors such as:

• The non-custodial parent’s current income,
• Awareness of the support obligation, and
• If they had previously paid any money to the custodial parent.

Child support laws can be complex. If you need assistance with retroactive child support, a Colorado, California, or Texas family law attorney from Modern Family Law can help.

Modern Family Law

Modern Family Law’s team of experienced family law attorneys takes a compassionate approach to the practice of family law. Using innovative technology to create an effective and efficient process for our clientele, our attorneys approach each case as a collective effort to find the best long-term solutions for each family. Our attorneys currently practice in Colorado, California, and Texas. Click the following link to view all of our family law locations. For more information please give us a call or fill out a short form online to sign up for a free consultation today! Let us make a positive difference in your life.