Children must be taken care of especially during and after a divorce. Along with the emotional support they will need to get through this difficult time, the financial aspects are also an important part.

Once custody is granted the courts will then decide how they will determine the amount of child support to be paid. Child support is the amount a non-custodial parent will pay the custodial parent to help with the child’s living expenses. Food, clothing and even school supplies will add up quickly on one paycheck - so the added help is always welcome.

If one parent receives custody, the other parent is required to fulfill their obligation to that child by making payments on a regular basis. The custodial parent is considered to be doing their part by raising the child and taking on the daily responsibility for that child. In joint custody cases, both parents take on the financial responsibility and this payment is based on a ratio of their income - as well as how much time the child spends in each parent’s home.

Many factors determine the calculation of child support payments. Each state has a guideline the courts must follow so there is not a wide range of costs. The state must stay within the guidelines when determining child support. It primarily depends on the parents’ income, any assets they own, bonds and stocks and even welfare benefits. Other factors are the cost of living for the parent, the standard of living the child experienced before the divorce, health insurance, educational needs and any daycare expenses.

Child support can be modified over time when either parent’s income changes, if there is additional income from a remarriage, a change in custody, if the child spends more or less time with either parent and if there are any medical expenses.

Child support is usually paid until the child reaches the age of 18 or if they are 19, unmarried and still attending high school. If there are any payments that are in arrears, the courts may enforce this payment be made until the debt is paid in full including interest. Parents are not required to pay support to any child who has been emancipated.

Even parents who are not married but determined to be the biological parents of the child and, have not given up their rights, are required to pay child support by law.