Child Support FAQs

• Q: What Is Child Support?
  A: 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 … More
• 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 Changed 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