Paying Child Support
Parents whose children are in the physical custody of the other parent usually are required to pay child support. These payments are meant to help cover the costs of raising a child. Whether it's through a mutual agreement or a court order, paying child support is not only important to the child's well-being but also strictly enforced by state authorities. In fact, a parent who ignores a court order to pay child support could face criminal punishment. The issue of child support should revolve around what is best for the child. The following articles cover various issues pertaining to the payment of child support.
- How Much Child Support Will You Pay?
Factors that generally determine the amount of support you will pay for a child living with the other parent, including your income (including non-wage assets) and your child's needs.
- What Does Child Support Cover?
Basic overview of what child support covers other than basic needs, including uninsured medical care; transportation; school supplies; sports activities; entertainment; summer camp; and college expenses.
- Paying Child Support: Checklist
Helpful checklist of steps non-custodial parents should take when preparing to pay child support, either through court order or agreement, and advice for adjusting the terms of support when necessary.
- Child Support by Court Order
General information about the more adversarial approach to child support, whether it is part of a larger divorce case or a separate legal action by the custodial parent.
- Child Support and Taxes
Various articles and IRS resources to help both custodial and non-custodial parents understand their federal tax obligations with respect to child support and the federal Child Tax Credit.
- Child Support Modification
Articles on child support modification, which is the process whereby a parent seeks to either increase or decrease the amount of child support dictated by a court order or agreement.