Resolving Child Support Disputes

Disagreements regarding child support and payment issues send millions of cases into the court system every year. Parents may be unable to meet the financial obligations of the divorce decree or, for whatever reason, they may refuse to comply with the original court order. When child support issues arise, parents can reach an agreement through the courts or through alternative dispute resolution methods.

Mediation

Aside from direct negotiation between the two parties, mediation is an informal method of resolving family law and support disputes. Through mediation, a neutral, court-appointed third party will listen to both sides of the dispute. This unbiased mediator will work with the parents to develop an agreeable solution to the problem, which could mean changing the child support payment schedule or amount. Often times, an agreement is drafted and signed during mediation. In many cases, the court will require the parties to attempt mediation before bringing the case before a judge.

Litigation

With many complicated child support cases, handling the matter through mediation may not produce a result. Taking the dispute to court is often the only way to achieve a resolution to the problem. Litigation is generally the last resort in conflict resolution because it incurs greater legal expenses for both parties. It is also sometimes an undesirable method of dispute resolution, as the decisions handed down by a judge in court may not end up pleasing either party.

In cases where child support nonpayment is a problem, however, heading to court may be the best option for the plaintiff. A judge may issue strict punishments and penalties that help to enforce the support order and assure compliance.

If you are a Utah resident involved in a child support dispute, contact Burton Law today to schedule a consultation and review of your case. Their experienced attorneys can explain your options for conflict resolution and help you determine the next steps for resolving your child support dispute.