Child Support Articles
Child support is money that one divorced or separated parent pays the other regularly. It's also called child maintenance. Courts order child support to ensure both parents contribute fairly to the cost of raising their child.
Most countries have a form of child support, according to the World Bank Group, though enforcement varies. Every member nation of the United Nations has signed a convention saying governments must ensure that parents provide for their children financially.
Many places have overhauled their child support formulas as families have changed. But in other places, guidelines may still assume that mothers work less than fathers and that parents were once married to each other.
Introduction to child support
Child support guidelines by location
Every location has different child support guidelines. Choose your state, province or country to learn more.
What does child support cover? What can it be used for?
Child support is at the center of many arguments between separated parents. Knowing what it covers can help.
Alimony versus child support (child and spousal support)
Alimony and child support are both forms of maintenance paid after the end of a marriage or relationship. See how they compare.
Why paying child support without a court order isn't advised
Some parents pay to support their child even though a court hasn't ordered them to do so. This can cause problems later.
Child support while pregnant | Child support at conception
Many parents-to-be wonder how early child support can be ordered — From conception? Birth? Learn when you can apply and other ways to get financial help.
Not paying child support: Info for recipients & payers
Child support doesn't always get paid as ordered. Here's what the recipient can do if they aren't being paid and how the payer can stop or lower payments.
Steps to getting a support order
Serving child support papers: Who serves & more
Here's how to serve papers to the other parent in your child support case. Follow these guidelines so you don't stall your case or have it thrown out.
How to prepare for a child support hearing
We asked several family lawyers what a parent should do to prepare for a child support hearing. Here's what they said.
For the parent who pays support
Lower your child support and get more parenting time
In most cases, you can lower your payments by calculating the true parenting time percentage and increasing the time you have your kids.
Using custody to avoid child support
While some people think they won't have to pay support if they have custody, it's not that simple.
Are you having difficulty paying child support?
If you're having trouble paying, here's what to do.
For the parent who receives support
Receiving child support while on public assistance
If you receive TANF, the state may take part of the child support the other parent sends you.
Technology to help you calculate support
Child support software vendors
How to use almost any child support software alongside the Custody X Change app.