Things You Should Know About Child Support

In a family law, the non- custodial parent (NCP) should pay child support to the custodial parent, guardian or state. This usually happens after the final decision from a divorce, annulment or separation has settled. It usually involves both parties but in most cases, mothers are the custodial parent and fathers are the non-custodial parent who is usually paying for child support. But how does it work, what are the things that you need to know if you are the non-custodial parent? If you won the custody, what will be your next step to ensure that the NCP will commit on this obligation?

How long should you pay for child support and how much?

Child Support is a financial commitment you need to pay as a parent as your child develops. It should sustain your children basic and financial needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and education. In the event that you have the custody of your kids, the courts expect that you satisfy your money related commitment. But if the child does not live with you, the court may order that you pay child support to the custodial parent. This will continue until your child reaches the age of majority or he or she becomes an adult, until your child is active-military or the court declares them as emancipated or can support themselves on their own. There’s a certain amount or percentage the court will require a parent depending on their work or capacity to pay.

If you won on the custody decision, how does this impact child support?

The two guardians have an obligation to help their kids financially. At the point when a separation happens and one parent has physical custody of the children, that parent’s duty is satisfied by being the custodial parent. The other parent at that point influences a kid to help through child support which satisfies that non-custodial parent’s financial obligations. For joint custody, the measure of child support each pays is regularly computed by the court considering the rate each parent adds to the couple’s joint salary and the level of time each parent has physical care of the kids.

When your partner remarries, what is the obligation of a stepparent?

A step-parent does not have any obligation to the child unless they made a decision to legally adopt and on this way they will have the full responsibility on the child and the biological parent will terminate their right.

Child support and visitation rights

Child Support Obligation and Visitation Rights are considered by the law to be absolutely separate issues. If your ex-spouse does not follow the custody by giving visitation as required, you should return to court to uphold the court arrangements. You have a commitment to financially support your kids, even if there are visitation right issues.

What are the consequences of not paying child support?

Not paying your child support commitments can lead to significant legal consequences. Failing to meet your financial responsibilities may result in various legal outcomes that can affect your life and finances. It can also damage your credibility with the court and state authorities, especially if you seek to modify your child custody arrangement or any other legal matters involving your children and former partner. Potential repercussions include wage garnishment, delays in your tax refund, seizure of property, and difficulties obtaining or renewing your business or driver’s license.

For more information on related legal topics, visit Children’s Internet Protection Act and explore child support obligations.