A divorce, child custody case or other family law case does not always have to be a combative experience. Even when the issues are complex, your future is at stake and emotions are running high, I will work hard to protect your legal rights while avoiding unnecessary conflict and heartache. As an experienced Seattle Family Lawyer, I am dedicated to providing legal services to individuals and families in the State of Washington.

My practice focuses on the following family law areas:

• dissolutions/divorce
• legal separations
• paternity
• child support
• parenting plan modifications
• post-dissolution disputes

As skilled Seattle Family Lawyer, I serve a diverse array of clients who depend on my experience, reputation and steady hand to protect their rights and guide them through complex and often emotional legal issues.

The Importance of Child Support:
Child support is the money paid by one parent to another to cover a portion of the costs of food, clothing, and shelter for the children. The amount of child support is generally set at a pre-determined amount based upon the incomes of the parents. Sometimes parents can be obligated to pay additional expenses for the children in addition to normal child support such as day care, counseling expenses, and school tuition.

The amount of a child support award is more than a question of bare necessities. If the child has a wealthy parent, that child is entitled to, and therefore needs something more than the bare necessities of life. Where the supporting parent enjoys a lifestyle that far exceeds the custodial parent's living standard, child support must to some degree reflect that more opulent lifestyle. This is so even though, as a practical matter, the child support payments may incidentally benefit others in the custodial household whom the payor parent has no obligation to support (e.g., custodial parent owed no spousal support, adult children, or children from custodial parent's other relationships). Children are entitled to share in the non-custodial parent’s elevated standard of living despite custodial parent's lower income.

Child support obligations can last for many years. As a result, the support amount may need to change from time to time. This may include major changes caused by job loss, disability, or large changes in salary. It can also include smaller periodic adjustments to keep up with raises and promotions for each parent. Finally, a support modification can address college expenses for a child who is graduating from high school.

If you or someone you know in Washington State needs the assistance of an experienced Seattle Family Lawyer, call Attorney Kevin Scudder today at 866-715-2846, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your initial consultation.