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Getting Child Support

The subject of child support is an important (and often difficult) issue for many parents. What is a fair amount to pay? Who determines the child support payment? It can be a difficult endeavor for both parties. Parents with primary custody of a child, referred to as "custodial parents," often are eligible to receive child support payments from the child's other parent. The following articles cover eligibility, determining the amount of child support, the difference between support by agreement and support by court order, changes to child support and other issues of importance to those seeking child support.
Learn About Getting Child Support
  • Are You Eligible for Child Support?

    How to determine eligibility for child support payments based on custodial status; the establishment of paternity; and other considerations, including special considerations for parents with joint custody of their child.

  • What Does Child Support Cover?

    Explanation of what child support covers other than the child’s basic needs, including uninsured medical care; entertainment; transportation; sports activities; summer camps; and college expenses

  • Getting Child Support Checklist

    Helpful checklist of important steps to take when seeking child support, from locating the other (non-custodial) parent and establishing paternity, to adjusting payment terms and enforcing a child support order.

  • Child Support by Court Order

    Overview of getting child support through a court order, the most adversarial approach, whether it is obtained as part of a divorce or through a separate legal action.

  • Child Support by Agreement

    Basics of obtaining child support through means other than a court order, such as the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR); agreements through informal negotiations; and collaborative family law methods.

  • When Does Child Support End?

    Overview of how and when a non-custodial parent’s obligation to pay child support ends, usually at age 18; including discussion of the “age of majority” and child emancipation.

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