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 interest of a child for both parents to be obligated to pay for the support of their child. An order for child support transfers the income/wealth from one parent to the other so that the combined incomes/wealth of both parents is available to use for the support of the child.

Other Child Support FAQs

Q: What Is Child Support Used For?
A: 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 … More
Q: Who Can Be Offered To Pay Child Support?
A: 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 … More
Q: When Can A Child Support Order Be Changer Or Modified?
A: 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 … More
Q: How Long Must Child Support Be Paid?
A: 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, … More
Q: How Is The Amount Of Child Support Determined?
A: Federal law now requires that the amount of a child support payment be set in accordance with a guideline. Having a guideline is believed to prevent widely different … More
Q: Obligor And Obligee - Which One Is Which?
A: The obligor is the parent that is required to pay the child support to the other parent. The obligee (obliged) is the parent who receives the payment from the other …
Q: What Other Items Do Formulas Consider?
A: Time Spent With Child. Besides the respective net incomes of the parents, the amount of time each parent spends with the child is factored into the formula. Since a … More
Q: What Income Items Do Typical Formulas Consider?
A: The formula is based on the respective net incomes of the parents. Federal and state income taxes, Social Security and Medicare tax, health insurance, union dues and … More
Q: After A Child Has Been Raised, Is The Parent Who Raised Them Able To Sue For Back Child Support?
A: This depends on the law in the state where the parents live. In some states, the parent who was to receive child support can collect support owed even after the … More
Q: What About Allocation Of Standard Living?
A: Each parent is supposed to pay for child support according to his or her ability and circumstances and station in life. A parent with the higher standard of living has … More