Child Support

Child support is a periodic payment made to a custodial parent from a non-custodial parent to help compensate for child's living expenses including food, clothes, medical care, and other needs of the child. When one parent is awarded sole or primary physical custody, the non-custodial parent is required to fulfill his or her child support obligation by making set payments, whereas the custodial parent meets his or her support obligation through the custody itself. The obligation to support minor children cannot be waived by either parent and is a right enjoyed by the child, not the parent.

The amount of child support is calculated according to a variety of factors set by state law including each parent’s income and assets, the standard of living enjoyed by the children prior to the divorce or separation, the parents’ current standard of living, the child’s various needs, and a consideration of the amount of time each parent spends with the child. While each state’s guidelines for determining child support may vary, the goal is generally to achieve an equitable distribution of the financial responsibility for raising children and to encourage parents to be actively involved in their upbringing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Child Support?
Child support is a payment by one parent (often the noncustodial parent) to the other parent for the support of their common child. (See Child Support and Visitation.) It is in the best … more
What Is Child Support Used For?
Child support covers everything a child needs, and even more, during the growth and formative years. Keep the following in mind: A parent`s first and principal obligation is to support his or her … more
Who Can Be Offered To Pay Child Support?
A court can order either parent of a child to pay support to other parent. The court order for support is usually payable on a monthly basis. Many states now require that child support be paid by … more

Legal Articles

Intercepting Tax Refunds When a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support
It seems only fair that if a parent is entitled to a tax refund, and he or she owes back child support, then back child support ought to be paid off first. For that reason, federal law provides that if a parent owes back child support, then a state child support office can intercept that parent’s tax refund for you and apply it to the back child support. Even if the child for … more
Do I have to pay child support if I don’t get to see my children?
It hardly seems fair to pay your child support on time, week after week, month after month, only to have your ex-husband or ex-wife prevent you from seeing your children. In fact, problems with visitation are one of the most common reasons given by parents for not paying their child support. However, child support and visitation are two totally separate issues, and you cannot stop … more

How To Modify a Child Support Order
An initial child support order is usually made on the basis of the income of both parents, the needs of the child and other relevant matters. If you feel that an existing order has now become burdensome or inadequate you should consult an attorney because you may be able to have the existing order modified. STEP 1 – Evaluate Whether Your Circumstances Support a Modification In … more