A child needs more than just financial support from both of his parents. He needs to feel loved, nurtured, and secure. He needs quality time and encouragement. But let’s face it. He also needs things. And things cost money. And whether the parents live under one roof or in different cities, both parents have a monetary responsibility to that child.
A child support order requires one parent to make certain fixed payments to the other parent. Not to the child. To the other parent. If the parent making the payment wants to give the child money as a gift, it does not offset the amount owed to the other parent. How the fixed amount is determined varies from state to state. The time it takes to receive the child support order also varies. And it can be further prolonged if the parent who will be paying refuses to cooperate (not giving necessary information or just being hard to find).
Child support orders are issued by the state courts, but they’re enforced by designated state agencies. Failing to comply with these orders can have a wide range of penalties. Credit reports could be tarnished. Wages could be garnished. There could even be license revocation, fines, or jail time. And there is no outrunning this arm of the law. Every state will enforce another state’s child support order
Because there are differences from state to state, the specifics of child support laws and procedures should be discussed with your family law attorney. They can help you apply for or modify your child support case with yours and your child’s best interests in mind.
