Child support lawyers help you fight for fair support, enforce orders, and protect your rights when it matters most.
I wasn’t always a child support lawyer. In fact, the first time I stepped foot in family court, I wasn’t the one standing behind the podium. I was sitting in the back row, clutching a manila folder full of crumpled bills and court papers, fighting back tears while watching my mother beg a judge for the support we were owed. That memory never left me.
And years later, as I sat in my car outside that same courthouse this time as an attorney. I saw a single mom doing the same thing: hands shaking, paper coffee cup balanced on her dash, papers scattered across the seat. She was me. She was my mom. She was every parent who’s ever felt crushed by a system they don’t fully understand.
As a child support lawyer, my goal is to fight for justice and peace of mind while giving children the chance they deserve. I do this by providing empowering legal advice to families instead of using intimidation tactics.
Hi, I’m Sarah K. Jennings, ESQ
I’m the founder of Jennings & Brooks Family Law Group, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. I’ve spent the last 14 years in the trenches of child support enforcement, modification battles, and parental rights advocacy.
But I don’t do this for billable hours or courtroom prestige. I do this because I’ve seen what happens when struggling parents walk into courtrooms alone, unheard, and unprepared.
So if you’re reading this while trying to keep it together in the middle of a support battle I want to give you the clarity and empowerment I wish my mom had.
Let me walk you through what I’ve learned as an attorney, as a daughter, and as someone who believes justice should be accessible, not intimidating.
What Do Child Support Lawyers Really Do?
Prior to earning a law degree, I believed that child support lawyers were only for wealthy individuals involved in messy divorces. The fact is, however, that we are not here to stir up trouble. It’s to defuse it. And we do a lot more than show up in court.
- Translators turning legalese into everyday language.
- Strategists helping you build a realistic, long-term support plan.
- Enforcers making sure orders aren’t just written, but followed.
- When emotions go high, the shield between you and the destruction stands.
- Let me break it down from what I do every single day:
- Explain your rights and obligations (so you’re not winging it off Reddit).
- Calculate accurate support using real financial data, not assumptions.
- File petitions for new support, enforcement, or modification.
- Represent you in mediation or trial.
- Enforce support via wage garnishments, liens, or even contempt motions.
One client told me, You didn’t just fight for me, you translated my pain into something the court could understand. That’s the job.
When Is a Child Support Attorney Actually Necessary?
You don’t need to be in a screaming match or six months behind on payments to call a lawyer. Some of my best outcomes came from people who called early, not when things exploded.
- Your ex is demanding more support than makes sense, using outdated or inflated income info.
- Even though you are the custodial parent, you are not getting paid what you are due.
- You just lost your job or took a pay cut but your support order hasn’t changed.
- Your child’s needs (medical, schooling, etc.) have changed significantly.
- You’re tired of empty promises and want real enforcement.
I had a dad, who was in the military, who was stationed overseas and still paying support based on a civilian salary from two years ago. We filed an interstate modification, adjusted it to his current pay, and helped him avoid wage garnishment that could’ve destroyed his credit. This stuff matters. And it’s not always about getting more, it’s about getting fair.
What to Expect: The Legal Journey, Demystified
One thing I hear a lot is, Sarah, I’m just overwhelmed. I have no idea what will happen next. Allow me to reveal:
1. Initial Consultation
- Current court order
- Income proof (pay stubs, W-2s)
- Custody or visitation documents
- Communication with the other parent
- I listen. No judgment. Just facts, feelings, and a way forward.
2. Case Evaluation
- Is your current order enforceable and fair?
- What’s changed since it was issued?
- Is the other parent in violation?
3. Petition Filing
- File for enforcement, modification, or new orders
- Serve the other party (properly this step’s crucial)
- Start building the legal foundation of your case
4. Court Prep
We get ready for battle without the stress:
- Preparing you for appropriate and inappropriate verbal responses
- Collecting evidence
- Exploring mediation if court can be avoided
5. Post-Judgment Support
Even after the gavel drops:
- We monitor payments
- Refile if your ex falls behind
- Help with future changes in your finances or custody
Consider a child support attorney to be similar to a GPS. Why ditch and round when you can run blind.
How Much Does It All Cost?
Let’s be real. Money is a huge reason people hesitate to call a lawyer. I get it you’re already fighting over finances. Adding another bill feels like lighting your wallet on fire. But here’s the real talk:
Typical Rates:
- The hourly rate ranges from $150 to $500, depending on the individual’s location and level of experience.
- Flat Fees: Sometimes offered for single actions like filing a motion.
- Retainers: Usually $2,000 to $5,000 upfront, billed against hours worked.
But here’s what I do at my firm:
- Free consultation always. It is important to not simply pay for a clear understanding of your choices.
- Sliding scale options especially for single parents earning under $50k
- Payment plans because justice shouldn’t be pay-to-play
- Pro bono select cases every quarter for domestic abuse survivors or parents facing homelessness
The cost of not hiring a lawyer?
- Garnished wages
- Missed back pay
- Court-ordered amounts you can’t afford
- Stress that negatively impacts both your health and your ability to perform at work
You’re not buying an attorney. You’re buying stability.
FAQ
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if your child’s needs, custody, or income have changed significantly.
What if my ex isn’t paying support?
You can file a motion to enforce. We can garnish wages, intercept tax returns, or even hold them in contempt.
What if we agree on support without court?
Great but still file it formally. Verbal or informal agreements won’t hold up in court if things go south.
Can the state really take my paycheck?
Yes. That’s why modification matters. If you have experienced hardship or lost your job, we can apply to halt or reduce your payments.
Ready to Talk to a Child Support Lawyer?
Most child support lawyers myself offer free consultations. Whether you’re in Charlotte, Dallas, or anywhere else, there’s likely a local family law attorney who knows your state’s judges, your court’s temperament, and what kind of paperwork actually gets results.
To arrange a phone conversation with me or a member of my team. Or look for legal aid services in your state if money’s tight. There are numerous options available, so you’re not out of luck.
Other Guides That Might Help
Need more clarity on the bigger picture. Check these out:
- Spousal Support Attorney: Your Guide to Fairness
- Child Custody Battles: When to Lawyer Up
- Free Legal Aid for Family Law Cases
Key Takings
- Having been on both sides of the table, I can assure you that this battle is significant. It not only impacts your mental well-being but also has financial implications. The outcome of this situation could affect both your future and your child’s feeling of safety.
- Child support lawyers don’t just file motions. We rewrite stories where parents reclaim their dignity and kids get what they need.
- You’re not asking for charity. You’re asking for what your child is owed. I fight like your big sister would with law books in one hand, and compassion in the other.
Additional Resources
- Get Help Collecting Child Support: A centralized federal guide that connects you with your state’s child support office to establish, modify, or enforce a support order.
- Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE): Official federal agency that oversees child support programs nationwide. Learn about enforcement, paternity, and legal tools available to attorneys.