What Is Child Support, And How Is Child Support Determined?
Child support is a periodic payment made to a custodial parent from a noncustodial parent to help compensate a child's living expenses, i.e. food, clothes, etc., and any other related debts. When one parent is awarded sole custody, as in the event of a divorce, the noncustodial 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. When parents are awarded joint custody in a divorce, however, the support obligation is shared, and is based on a ratio of each parent's income, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent.
Other Custody and Child Support FAQs
-
Q:
How Does The Court Decide Who Gets The Children?
A: At the outset, it is important to understand that “custody” is usually divided into two separate categories – legal custody and physical … More -
Q:
Can The State Terminate A Parent's Rights Over Their Children?
A: Yes. Every state has an agency that protects the interests of children. That agency may ask the court to terminate parental rights. Usually, the … More -
Q:
How Is Child Support Ordered And What Exactly Is It?
A: Child support is a court ordered monthly payment by one parent (often the non-custodial parent) to the other parent for the support of their common child. Federal law … More -
Q:
My Ex Is Not Making Child Support Payments – What Can I Do?
A: You can take your ex back to court. Once there, the judge has many tools available for your use. For example, you could have the judge issue a wage … More -
Q:
What Factors Are Used To Calculate Child Support Payments? Can The Amount Of The Payment Change Over Time?
A: Under the Child Support Enforcement Act of 1984, child support payments are based upon each parent's current income. This includes a number of elements … More -
Q:
Can A Child Support Order Be Changed Or Modified?
A: Yes. An order for child support can be changed or modified any time there is a material change in circumstances from the time that the initial child support was … More -
Q:
Is A Father Who Never Married The Mother Still Required To Pay Child Support? What If The Father Is Not Allowed To See The Child?
A: Regardless of marital status, an ‘assumed father' is any biological father of a child for whom paternity has been established by either the admission of the … More -
Q:
What Happens To Custody When One Parent Needs To Relocate?
A: Should a parent need to relocate, the court will continue to use the “best interests” standard in determining where the child will go. There are … More -
Q:
What Happens To A Father Who Refuses To Pay Court Ordered Child Support?
A: Under the Child Support Enforcement Act of 1984, it is against the law for any father, presumed or assumed, to not pay court ordered child support to the custodial … More -
Q:
Does Every State Follow The Same Formula In Calculating Child Support?
A: No. Each state has their own child support law but each state tends to follow one of three basic models: Flat Percentage, Income Shares, and the Melson … More
