Child Support Lawyers

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.

Child Support Lawyers By State

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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
When Can A Child Support Order Be Changer Or Modified?
An order for child support can be changed or modified any time there is a material change in circumstances from the time that the existing child support was issued. A material change in … more
How Long Must Child Support Be Paid?
The duration of this responsibility depends upon state law. All states require both parents to be financially responsible for their child during the child`s minority, generally through the child`s … more

Legal Articles

Can I have my child support payments automatically deducted from the other parent’s paycheck?
Are you tired of getting your child support payments whenever your ex feels like paying them? Does your ex not always pay the amount of child support that he or she is supposed to pay? One easy solution to these problems is to have your child support payments automatically deducted from the other parent’s paycheck by his or her employer. Taking this step can ensure that … 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

Child Support Lawyers