Child support is a form of support payment that is often ordered when two parents are no longer living together. It is in the best interests of any child to have financial support from both his mother and his father. It is also sound public policy to require that parents support their children so those children do not become wards of the state or otherwise dependent upon state run welfare or support programs. Child support may be ordered even in instances where a parent does not have contact with his or her child, unless that parent has legally surrendered parental rights with the permission of both the court and the other parent.
Who Pays Child Support?
Child support is paid by one parent to the other. Normally, the non-custodial parent pays the support to the parent who has sole or primary physical custody. In other words, the parent who is not living with or raising the child will be required to pay a set amount each month towards the upkeep and care of the child. This money should be used for things like paying for the child's food, shelter, clothing, schooling, daycare, and other expenses the custodial parent incurs as a result of raising the child.
How is Child Support Determined?
Child support is determined by looking at a variety of different factors including:
The income of each parent, as well as each parent's earning potential.
The amount of time the child spends living with each parent (in a joint custody arrangement, for example, child support may be reduced if the child spends a great deal of time with the non-custodial parent, since the parent will be presumably providing financial support and care for the child during the periods of time when the child is physically with him).
The number of children.
Other factors may also be used to assess the appropriate dollar amount of child support, depending on the state where the parties live.