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Child Support Help and InformationThe main purpose of awarding child support is to ensure that a child's standard of living remains relatively the same after his or her parent's divorce or separation. Every state has guidelines and worksheets which are used to establish how much child support will be awarded, often using the incomes of both parents and the number of minor children from the marriage in their calculations. Generally, the obligation for support will continue until a child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, but there are exceptions that you can read about in the articles below. Additionally, you'll find information to help you understand the laws and how support is calculated, various payments options, and different methods of support enforcement. Understanding Support Orders - Both parents have a responsibility to support their children after a separation or divorce. Find out how support is calculated, collected, and enforced. Tips For Collecting Support - In an ideal world, collecting support would be a hassle-free process. However, in the real world, enforcement is often needed to collect support payments. Support Payment Options - Discusses the various ways in which support payments can be made. Child Support Questions and answers from the legal expert on all issues concerning support. Temporary Support - A temporary support order can ensure your children will be taken care of until a more formal arrangement is in place. Other Temporary Orders - Until your divorce is finalized, your attorney may file other temporary orders which address certain aspects of support, who will be responsible for certain bills, occupancy of the family home, and more. Read over these frequently asked questions to see how they apply in your situation. Child Support Modification - Before granting an adjustment in the amount of support to be paid, the court requires proof of a change in circumstances. Find out what how different situations will affect the level of child support. Joint Custody and Support - Even if parents share joint custody, one parent may still be responsible for paying a certain amount of child support. This is because courts want to ensure the child is properly cared for regardless of where the child is staying. Find out what is considered. When Does Support End - How long is a parent obligated to pay support and when does it end? It depends on your divorce decree and if your child is emancipated. Find answers to these questions and more from the legal expert. Collecting Back Support - Unfortunately, not all parents feel a financial sense of responsibility for their children and end up not paying the support that was ordered. If you're trying to collect the delinquent support, these tips can help. Contempt of Court Motions to Enforce Support - If your ex has steadily refused to make the support payments, one way to collect what you are owed is by initiating contempt proceedings. You can learn more about what to expect and how to file a motion for contempt in this article. Paternity and Support - Sometimes the issue of paternity is brought up in a support case where minor children are involved. For example, will a husband owe support if it can be proven he's not the biological father? To understand what is taken into consideration in the decision, read through these answers from the legal expert. Support and Visitation - Can you deny visitation if you haven't received the support payment? Can support payments be reduced if the children begin spending more time with the non-custodial parent? Find out more. Life Insurance Issues - Guaranteeing that support payments are made if the supporting parent dies. College 529 Plans in Divorce - Understanding deductibility of losses and using 529 plan assets to fund educational expenses after divorce. Divorce Home / Articles / Divorce Guide / State Laws |