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    Child Support Laws

    For the Protection of Children

    Child support is usually ordered when one or both parents are absent from the home by either legal separation or divorce. This support is meant for the care of the child and is paid to whoever has custody of the child by the other parent. It's typically set up through a court order. There are many situations where child support comes into play.

Divorce and Separation

The most common situation for a child support order is when parents separate or divorce. The children will usually stay with one parent, and the parent they do not live with pays child support. In every state, even if the child’s parents were not married or were just living together, a child support order can usually be granted by the court.

How Child Support is Determined

Child support is typically ordered by a judge in family court. Each state has child support agencies who work with the courts to enforce the court orders. To begin the child support process, each parent will need to go to court to argue their side, usually with legal counsel such as a family law attorney family law attorney to ensure the order is fair for both parents.

How Child Support is Paid

Child support payments can be made in a few different ways. They can be paid directly to the parent who has custody by the other parent, they can be paid to the child support enforcement agency, or they can be taken from the paying parent's wages. If the payments are not paid, a judgment will be granted and may include jail time.

The Bottom Line

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It’s Simple: Child Support Benefits Children

Any child support order is meant to be for the benefit of the child or children. It is intended to be used only for the care of the child, which includes paying to provide housing expenses, food, clothing, medical needs, and anything else the child absolutely needs. It is not the same as alimony or spousal support. If the parent with custody does not properly provide for the child, the other parent can file a new court hearing to review the case and even ask for custody.