Many misconceptions exist surrounding how systems like joint custody and child support work. For example, many newly separated parents assume joint custody eliminates the need for child support or that the parent with majority custody will receive child support. The truth is that each case presents unique circumstances, and many factors go into deciding child support parameters. 

While undergoing a separation or divorce, you may have questions like, “Do you pay child support with joint custody?” At Randle Palmer & Associates PLLC, we work to help parents navigate the challenges of establishing child support agreements. In this blog, we talk about what joint custody is and some of the factors that go into determining child support agreement parameters. 

At RPB Tucson, you’ll find a compassionate child support lawyer for Tucson residents. For answers to your questions about custody agreements, child support, and more, call us today at 520-327-1409. 

What Is Joint Custody? 

Joint custody involves a legal agreement wherein parents share responsibility for a child or children. This umbrella term may refer to multiple types of custody, including: 

●      Joint physical custody

●      Joint legal custody

●      Shared physical and legal custody

●      Primary and secondary custody

When parents have joint custody, the arrangement often allows the custodial parent to receive child support payments. The custodial parent acts as the primary caregiver and spends the most time caring for the child or children.

Since joint custody agreements have changing variables, child support agreements that accompany custody agreements may also vary. 

Factors Used to Determine Child Support Parameters

During establishing the child support and custody arrangement, legal officials use several considerations to determine the best arrangement for the child’s or children’s welfare. Which parent pays child support and how much depends on the time spent with each parent as well as individual parent income. 

Custody Parameters and Parenting Time

Parents and courts establish custody agreements separately from child support parameters. Once a custody agreement exists, legal officials use the established living situations and parenting times to help them determine the amount of child support appropriate for either parent to pay. 

When joint custody agreements involve unequal divisions of parenting time, the parent with the most active parenting time becomes the custodial parent. In these cases, the custodial parent often receives child support, depending on the non-custodial parent’s employment, finances, etc. 

Individual Parent Income

The individual income, living situation, and employment status of each parent play a significant role in custody arrangements and child support. Therefore, your designated legal officials will review these factors and determine what amounts of child support parents must pay in conjunction with state guidelines. 

Speak to Compassionate Child Support Lawyers in Tucson 

Navigating separation, coping with joint custody, and beginning child support present many challenges. Fortunately, you don’t have to face it alone. If you have an impending joint custody agreement, you may be wondering, “Do you pay child support with joint custody?” or “How much child support will either parent pay?” Call our RPB Tucson team for answers today at 520-327-1409. 

To consult with a Tucson child protective services lawyer, call us at 520-327-1409. 

When the DCS or CPS comes to remove your child from your home, it can be a scary experience for you and your child. Many people are unsure of what to do when CPS arrives. But do you have to let CPS in your house?

Randle Palmer & Associates PLLC are knowledgeable about family law and can represent you in a CPS case. With decades of experience, our lawyers have a family-first mentality that can facilitate finding the appropriate solution for your child. 

Here are some things you must know about dealing with child protective services. 

Have a Friendly Demeanor

CPS removing your child from your house can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved. As hard as it may be, you are better off handling the situation with class. 

When you are hostile with a child services agent, it can hinder your case in court. Also, you should share as little information as possible with these social workers. They can use anything you say against you in a court of law. 

Make Sure They Have a Warrant

So, do you have to let CPS in your house? One thing you should ask is if the CPS caseworker has a warrant to enter your home. If they do not, they cannot legally come into your home and take your child. 

A CPS worker may lie about having a warrant so you open the door. Always ask to see a court order from the social worker before opening your door. 

Document Everything 

Just like CPS workers can use everything you say against you in court, so can you. Make sure you are diligent and observant when talking with the child services agent. 

When a social worker interviews your child, they are legally required to record the conversation. It is ideal to have a backup of this recording on your phone or recording device. Our lawyers can dissect the tape for any abnormalities in the CPS investigation process. 

The Aftermath 

If a CPS worker decides to take your children after they enter your home, you must contact a friend or family member who can take your child in the meantime. If you do not have an emergency contact, your child will go to a certified foster home. 

Once CPS takes your child, you should call our attorneys immediately. We can start working on your case, giving you hope that you can regain custody of your child. 

Schedule a Consultation 

We hope we provided an answer to your question, “do you have to let CPS in your house?”

Randle Palmer & Associates PLLC is a family law firm servicing the Tucson, AZ, community. With years of experience, our attorneys fight on behalf of their clients against CPS. 

Our three founding members are all from the Tucson area. We have a love and respect for the local community. Our team devotes time to defending our clients against abuse or neglect allegations. 

If you want to schedule a consultation with our family lawyers, call Randle Palmer & Associates PLLC at 520-327-1409. We can help you learn more about child custody protection services.