Question:
I need to modify my child support. Is there any advantage to having an attorney do the modification versus doing it myself?
Answer:
While I am likely not licensed to practice law in your state and cannot give you legal advice, I can give some general observations on this issue based on the jurisdiction where I practice.
Where I practice in Pennsylvania, parties may complete a support case pro se (that is, without counsel). This option is usually not advised because you may be settling your entire support case — and waiving any rights you could be due under your state’s respective laws — without fully knowing important aspects such as all of the relevant income of the other party. And if your case goes to court, you need to be aware of the applicable law and rules of evidence.
Therefore, it is advised that you seek counsel before proceeding pro se in a support case. Due to the sensitive and extremely fact-specific nature of this situation, I would strongly suggest you contact an attorney who handles family law matters in your jurisdiction, such as Cordell & Cordell, to see how your state’s laws can specifically help you with this serious situation. This type of attorney should be helpful in providing you specific assistance for your matter.
Remember, I am unable to provide you with anything more than divorce tips, so please consult a domestic litigation attorney in your jurisdiction to obtain specific advice as to the laws in your state and how they particularly impact your potential case.
To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, including Pennsylvania divorce lawyer William J. Phelan, IV, contact Cordell & Cordell.
