What Does Child Support Require?

Child support is a court-ordered process that ensures the noncustodial parent contributes to the child’s needs. Requirements vary by state, but any changes to the agreement must be approved by a judge. It’s important to understand the legal obligations and ensure compliance to avoid legal consequences.

How Much Is Child Support?

Child support amounts are typically based on the parents’ combined income and the child’s needs. Factors such as time spent with each parent and other considerations are taken into account. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of how much support is required and what it covers.

What Does Child Support Cover?

Child support is intended to cover a child’s basic daily needs, including:

• Food
• Clothing
• Housing
• Medical expenses
• Child care
• School tuition
• Fees for extracurricular activities
• Transportation

In some cases, additional costs such as school tuition or extracurricular expenses may also be shared. It’s important to keep records of all expenses to ensure proper documentation.

When Is Child Support Due?

Child support is often paid monthly, but the frequency can vary. Some states issue child support orders directly to the paying parent’s employer, ensuring regular payments. If you prefer a different payment frequency, you can request it from a judge, though approval is not guaranteed.

How Do You Budget for Inconsistent Child Support Payments?

Inconsistent child support payments can make budgeting challenging. Here are some strategies to help you manage:

Budget Solely Based on Your Income

Create a budget that relies solely on your income. This ensures all essential expenses are covered, and any child support payments can be used for savings or future expenses.

Budget Based on Average Income

Calculate the average child support received over the past year and use this amount for budgeting. Adjust as needed to account for variations in monthly payments.

Request Modifications

If child support payments are insufficient, request a review for a modification from a judge. Contact your state agency to learn about the process.

What Are Your Options for Pursuing Unpaid Child Support?

It’s illegal to defy court orders and not pay child support. If payments are delinquent, there are several enforcement actions the government can take:

• Garnishing wages
• Withholding tax refunds
• Revoking or suspending driver’s licenses
• Placing liens on property
• Freezing bank accounts
• Revoking passports
• Reporting to credit bureaus

If these measures are ineffective, you can take the other parent to court, where they may face fines or jail time.

Preserve Your Credit After Divorce

Managing finances after a divorce can be difficult, especially with inconsistent child support payments. To protect your credit, pay bills on time, keep debt balances low, and save when possible. Regularly check your credit report to maintain financial health.