Child support is usually contentious, especially when one of the parents is unwilling or unable to offer support. Given that laws on child support differ from one state to another, support issues can be contentious and complicated. This explains why couples going through a divorce opt to enlist the services of a family law firm from this divorce start-up to help them get around the process.  

What is Child Support?

As the name suggests, child support is the money paid by a parent to another to support the welfare of one or more kids. While this might appear straightforward to many, it does not take long before you start seeing the pitfalls. For instance, there are cases where both parents might be required to contribute to their child’s care to a person taking care of them on their behalf.

What Is the Purpose of Child Support?

The basics principles of child support us to share the costs or responsibilities associated with a child. Unless the parents concerned can agree, child support payments are paid in the form of regular payments. In most instances, the non-custodial parent makes child support. There are other instances when child support is calculated based on each parent’s time with the kid. Irrespective of how you are advised to pay, the sole objective is to ensure that the child has the basic human needs – food, shelter, clothing, and education.

What Determines the Amount of Child Support?

For those interested in determining the amount they owe or are owed, these calculations are usually informed by some legal considerations. There are instances when the department of human services or the law firms offer a handy calculator to help determine what is owed. However, the parties are always free to adjust the amount accordingly.

What Are the Possible Issues that Can Arise?

What happens when a parent is unable to pay what they owe? In such a case, the parent might be required to file for modification. However, the court can only grant the modification when there is a substantial change in the obligor’s income, normally caused by a change of income or even loss of employment.

Figuring out what to do when you owe or are owed support for a child can be tough, especially if you do not have the legal understanding to navigate these issues. Therefore, it is always to have a divorce attorney beside you to help you with these legal matters.  

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