What Is Child Support And How Does It Work?

Child support is where the non custodial parent paysthe other parent and choose to withhold child support
the custodial parent a certain amount of money eachas a way to get even with the other parent.
month for the care of the child they share. ChildRegardless of the reason, not paying child support
support is generally based on a percentage of incomehurts the child and may also have legal implications for
per each child and is intended to help offset thethe parent who is not living up to their obligations.
financial burden of the custodial parent. The nonSome states have laws that will revoke the driver's
custodial parent usually pays a third party the allottedlicense of parents who are severely behind on
sum which is then forwarded to the custodial parent.payments. Other states can issue court orders to
Child support can be paid by any parent of a child.have wages automatically deducted from paychecks.
There is no restriction on having to be married in orderAny federal or state earnings such as tax refunds or
to pay it. It also is not bound by gender roles. Whoeverlottery winnings can be held and applied to child
does not have custody of the child pays the support.support payments that are in arrears.
This does not have to be the father in all situations.If you are a parent who is having trouble with the child
Very often, especially these days, the father hassupport system, it is advisable to seek assistance from
custody of the child and the mother pays the support.an attorney who specializes in family law. Whether
Child support laws vary from state to state. Oftenyou are a parent who needs a reduction in child
visitation privileges are tied to child support. A nonsupport payments or a custodial parent who needs
custodial parent who is not on time on payments maycollection assistance, an attorney can help. They are
forfeit their visitation rights. There may also befamiliar with the individual laws of the state in which
restrictions placed on the custodial parent as to howyou reside and can advise you on the best route to
the money is used. Although indirect expenses such astake.
housing are usually valid, the courts may look at otherChild support is an important function in society to help
spending habits to ensure the child support is goingcare for a child. It is difficult for a single parent to have
toward the welfare of the child.sole financial responsibility for the care of a child,
Parents who regularly do not pay child support areespecially if the other parent has the means and ability
known as deadbeat parents. Some parents do notto help. Ensure that your rights and the rights of your
pay because they feel the amount of money orderedchild are properly cared for by pursuing child support;
was too much and not justified. Other parents may notusing the money to benefit the child; or paying child
be able to afford the payments with their existingsupport if you are the non custodial parent.
financial obligations. Some parents may be angry at