Question from a reader:
Can I ask a lawyer to handle the enforcement procedures for child support? If so, how much will it cost?

About Child Support Enforcement Procedures and Lawyer Support

Hello everyone. Today, let’s talk about a somewhat serious topic: child support issues. Specifically, I will discuss whether you can ask a lawyer to take enforcement action against someone who
is behind on child support payments, and what the costs involved might be.

What is Child Support Enforcement?

Child support refers to the expenses necessary for raising a child. In cases of divorce or separation, it is common for one parent to have a payment obligation to the other. However, unfortunately, payments can sometimes be delayed. In such cases, you may consider the process of enforcement. Enforcement refers to the legal procedures to compel payment based on a court judgment or settlement. Specifically, this can include directly deducting child support from the other party’s salary or seizing their bank accounts. Let me share a story about my friend. After his divorce, he was required to pay child support to his ex-wife, but the payments were not going smoothly, and he eventually considered enforcement. At first, he worried, “A lawyer must be expensive, right?” However, he learned that having a professional handle the process would make things go much more smoothly.

Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer

Now, regarding the question of whether you can ask a lawyer to handle child support enforcement procedures, the answer is “yes.” Lawyers are legal experts, so they can take care of the procedures, prepare necessary documents, and submit them to the court on your behalf. As I told my friend, there are many benefits to hiring a lawyer. For example: 1. Expertise: Since legal professionals handle the procedures, there are fewer mistakes, and the process is more efficient. 2. Reduced Stress: Managing the process on your own can be time-consuming and exhausting, but by entrusting it to a lawyer, that burden is alleviated. 3. Negotiation Skills: Lawyers are negotiation experts, so they can negotiate from a stronger position with the other party.

About Lawyer Fees

Now, regarding the costs of hiring a lawyer, this is another point of concern. Typically, lawyer fees vary depending on the nature of the case and the region, but generally, the following fee structure can be considered: 1. Retainer Fee: This is the initial fee paid, usually ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand yen, depending on the case’s specifics. 2. Success Fee: This is the fee incurred when successfully recovering child support, typically a percentage of the amount recovered. Generally, this ranges from about 10% to 30%. 3. Actual Costs: Additional costs such as court fees, transportation expenses, and document preparation fees will be incurred separately. In my friend’s case, the initial retainer fee was about 100,000 yen, but he was able to successfully recover the child support, which resulted in a success fee as well. However, it is essential to discuss the fees thoroughly with the lawyer in advance and agree before signing a contract.

Flow of the Actual Procedure

Now, let’s take a look at the general flow of how the procedures progress. 1. Consultation: First, consult with a lawyer and explain your situation. It’s a good idea to bring any documents or evidence related to child support. 2. Contract: After receiving an explanation of the contract terms and fees, if you agree, you will sign the contract. 3. Document Preparation: The lawyer will prepare the necessary documents and ask for your confirmation. 4. Submission to Court: The documents will be submitted to the court, and the enforcement process will begin. 5. Enforcement: Following the court’s order, the actual collection of child support will take place. My friend mentioned that it took about three months from the initial consultation to the actual enforcement, but thanks to the lawyer’s support, his burden was significantly reduced.

In Conclusion

I have shared the many benefits of hiring a lawyer for child support enforcement. Of course, there are costs involved, but it is important to enlist the help of a professional to ensure the necessary procedures proceed smoothly. Hearing my friend’s story made me realize once again that child support issues are very delicate emotionally. Therefore, remaining calm and seeking help from someone with specialized knowledge can ultimately lead to better outcomes for yourself. If you are struggling with child support issues, please consider consulting a lawyer. They will surely be able to assist you. Until next time, take care!