Know the Basics of Child Support Before a Divorce

If you are a parent who is about to enter into a divorce, child support will most likely factor into your proceedings. Having a working knowledge of information pertaining to child support will help you set and achieve settlement goals with the assistance of your attorney.

Understanding child support fundamentals

Child support is paid by one parent to another parent to help purchase necessities and provide proper care for the child. In most cases, the noncustodial parent provides regular payments to the custodial parent to help offset costs. These payments come into play because, despite living apart, both parents are accountable for taking care of the child.

Funds in the form of child support can go toward any activity or good that enhances the life of the child, including food, shelter, education, clothing and childcare. In certain cases, child support payments may also go toward insurance coverage, medical treatments and recreational activities.

Determining and enforcing child support payments

The court can take many factors into consideration when determining the amount of child support payments. Mostly, judges will assess the income and earning capabilities of both parents and select a percentage of the higher-earning parent’s income that must be shared with the other spouse.

Child support requirements are court orders that require strict adherence. Failure to provide the child support payments listed in your divorce agreement can leave a parent in contempt of court, meaning they will face serious fines and potential jail time. To track child support payments, parents may choose to use a registry who will collect and disperse funds on behalf of both parents, while keeping detailed records of payment.

Unlike spousal support, child support terminates when the child turns 18 years of age. Exceptions for this rule include children who are disabled, or other special considerations that may impact the need for support.

If you would like to learn more about how this type of financial assistance may affect your divorce proceedings, consult an experienced Long Island child support attorney at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.

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