What Is Child Support?
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other to cover children's living expenses.
Child support is a recurring financial obligation paid by one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising their children after separation or divorce. Every U.S. state has child support guidelines, though the calculation methods vary. Most states use either an income shares model (which considers both parents' incomes and estimates what would have been spent on the children if the family were intact) or a percentage of income model (which calculates support as a percentage of the non-custodial parent's income). Factors that affect the amount include both parents' gross income, the number of children, custody arrangement (how many overnights each parent has), health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and any special needs. Child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, though some states extend it through college.
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View CalculatorsThis definition is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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