Even though going through a divorce can be trying and stressful for anyone, the issue is made more challenging when kids are involved. For parents going through a divorce, child support is one of the most important issues.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of child support in divorce, including who receives it, what it covers, and how it’s handled.
Who Gets Child Support?
Child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. The custodial parent is the parent with whom the child lives for the majority of the time. The non-custodial parent is the parent with whom the child spends less time.
The amount of child support that is paid is determined by a number of factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the custody arrangement. In some cases, the court may order both parents to share the cost of child support.
What Does Child Support Cover?
The purpose of child support is to pay for the kid’s essential necessities, including clothing, food, and housing. But it might also pay for other expenses like child care, education, and medical and dental care.
It is important to remember that child support is intended to be utilized for the kid’s benefit and should not be used by the custodial parent for their own personal expenses.
How is Child Support Handled in Divorce?
Child support is typically handled as part of the divorce settlement. The court will determine the amount of child support that is to be paid based on the factors mentioned earlier.
Once the court has made a determination about child support, a court order will be issued. This court order will outline the amount of child support that is to be paid, the frequency of the payments, and the duration of the payments.
Keep in mind that child support payments can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or a change in custody arrangement.
Importance of Child Support
Child support is an important aspect of divorce, as it guarantees that the child’s needs are being met. In order to fulfill the needs of the child, it is crucial for both parents to cooperate and understand their responsibilities with regard to child support.
Not paying child support can have serious consequences such as wage garnishment, loss of driver’s license, and even jail time. That is why it is important for both parents to take their obligations seriously and to work together to ensure the child is being properly supported.
Work with us
If you have more questions about child support in divorce, our team is here to help you every step of the way. At Purposeful Wealth Advisors, we work closely with divorce attorneys, accountants, and other dedicated professionals to arrive at comprehensive solutions for our clients.
We can help you understand your rights and obligations when it comes to child support.
Contact us today to know more!