Some Basics on Child Support

For those parents involved in a divorce who have children under the age of eighteen, child support becomes an issue to address.

Child support is mandatory in all actions involving minor children. Petitioners with minor children must include an order for child support, even if the other parent is unemployed or cannot be found.

Under the majority of State Laws, a standard uniform guideline is used to determine child support payment amounts. It is based on the incomes of both parents and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. The guidelines provide for add-on amounts for the following:

• Child care costs
• Health care and health insurance cost
• Cost of special educational or other needs of a child
• Travel-related expenses for visitation

Parents can either increase or decrease the statutory guideline amount but certain conditions must be met. If a parent does not pay child support or is late by a significant factor, he or she can be sued for contempt of court, have wages attached, have tax refunds attached, or have driver's licenses blocked.  To find out more about child support, it's in your best interest to speak with a knowledgeable family law attorney . Click here to find a divorce or family lawyer near you!